Medical Dermatology
Scabies in Islamabad
Diagnosis and treatment for the household
In plain terms
Understanding scabies
What it is
Scabies is a mite smaller than a pinhead that burrows into the top layer of skin and lays eggs there. The rash and the itch are your immune system reacting to the mite and what it leaves behind rather than to the burrow itself, which is why the itch outlasts the mite by weeks.
Why it happens
It passes through prolonged skin to skin contact, so it travels through households and shared beds rather than through a handshake. It has nothing whatever to do with cleanliness. It is common enough here that most people are treated for something else first.
What you might notice
Itching that is worst at night and bad enough to wake you. Small bumps and thin burrow lines between the fingers, on the wrists, around the waist, in the armpits and around the genitals. Other people in the house itching too, which is often the clearest clue of all.
How it is treated
A scabicide applied over the whole body, left on for the stated number of hours and repeated after a week. In adults that is from the neck down, while babies, older people and anyone whose immunity is low need the face and scalp covered as well. Everyone in the household is treated on the same day whether they itch or not, otherwise it simply circulates back. Bedding and clothing are washed hot or bagged.
When to get it seen
As soon as the pattern fits, because it spreads through the household while you wait. Come back if the itch is still severe after four weeks or if new burrows appear. That usually means a dose was applied patchily or somebody at home was missed, and it needs looking at rather than simply repeating.
What it involves
Scabies at her clinic
How long it takes. Days to treat, weeks for the itch.
Book appointmentQuestions about scabies
How long before scabies shows a result?
Days to treat, weeks for the itch. Skin is slow, and anyone quoting you a faster number is selling something.
Who will actually be treating me?
Associate Professor Dr. Lubna Rani Faysal. MBBS (Gold Medalist), FCPS (Dermatology), MHPE, 13 years in dermatology, and Associate Professor of Dermatology, Islamic International Medical College, Rawalpindi.
Do I need to be seen in clinic, or is video enough?
Send a description and a clear photograph on WhatsApp and she will tell you which. Anything needing close examination or a procedure has to be in clinic, tuesday – saturday, 4:00 – 7:00 pm at F8 Markaz, Islamabad.
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Book your scabies consultation
Tuesday – Saturday, 4:00 – 7:00 PM at F8 Markaz, Islamabad. Or ask first on WhatsApp at +92 370 549 7242.
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