Itch mites cause an uncomfortable itching and are highly contagious. In our guide you will find out how to recognize itch mites and what you should then do.
Itch mites are common around the world. The females are a maximum of 0.5 millimeters in size, the males a little smaller. When itch mites infest a human, they trigger the skin disease scabies (colloquially scabies). The disease is highly contagious, which is why you suspect it be sure to see a dermatologist have to.
By the way: When you first become infected with the scabies, it takes up to four weeks for the first symptoms to appear. During this time, however, you are already contagious and can spread the disease to other people.
Itch mites: symptoms and signs
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If you are affected by itch mites, you will usually recognize this quite quickly. Aside from some symptoms that can also be associated with other skin diseases, there are some very typical signs of scabies:
- The itch mites cause one severe itching. This is due to the droppings and the eggs that the females lay in their skin. Especially warm parts of the body with partly thin skin often itch. These include the areas between fingers and toes, the wrists, the genital area, the armpit area, the navel and often also the inner thighs. Important: The itchiness of the scabies increases when warm – for example, at night in bed.
- The body often reacts to the itch mites with a rash. This can take the form of small ones Pustules express. The skin can also become flaky and dry due to the many scratching.
- A very typical sign of itch mites or digging mites are the passages that they dig into the skin. These can be seen with the naked eye if you look closely. Above all, examine your finger and toe gaps and look for small, comma-shaped, brownish passages. These can be up to two centimeters long.
Treat scabies: How to get rid of itch mites
If you suspect itch mites on your skin, one thing above all applies: go to the dermatologist as soon as possible. You cannot get rid of the mites without medical help. You are also highly contagious.
Note: Itch mites are transmitted through prolonged, intensive physical contact. Simply shaking hands is usually not enough. But sexual partners should also be examined and treated. This also applies to the parents of babies or small children.
Scabies is treated with an ointment with the Active ingredient permethrin. The ointment is usually applied to the entire body once in the evening and then has to be absorbed for at least eight hours. The itch mites are killed by the active ingredient.
It is important that you not only treat yourself, but kill the mites in your area. Dress, Bed linen, towels, Cuddly blankets and animals as well as possibly smaller carpets should be washed at 60 degrees. That kills the mites. Alternatively, you can pack textiles in closed bags for at least one week. Itch mites don’t survive long without their host, humans. Yours mattress, Sofas, armchairs etc. can be vacuumed thoroughly.
Remember: Symptoms do not go away immediately after treatment. The itching can persist for a few more weeks. The skin needs some time to regenerate. This is also called postscabious eczema designated.
Support scabies treatment with home remedies
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You cannot remove itch mites exclusively with home remedies, but only with medical help. However, once you have finished treatment with the permethrin ointment, you can support your skin in the healing process.
- Aloe Vera helps against inflamed skin and cools the skin. You can read what the plant can do here: Aloe vera gel: this is how the juice of the miracle plant works.
- The itching is particularly uncomfortable with an infection with itch mites. This can plague you a little longer after successful treatment. In contrast, sea salt baths, St. John’s wort oil and Apple Cider Vinegar help. You can find out which method is best for you here: Home remedies for itching: This prevents annoying scratching.
- At dry skin help olive and coconut oil and dairy products.
Prevent itch mites
You can only prevent itch mites to a certain extent:
- Avoid prolonged physical contact with those affected.
- Pay attention to thorough personal hygiene.
- If you are traveling, you should pay attention to clean, well-kept accommodations. People often bring the scabies home from trips.
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