Buzz
Scabies, a frustrating skin condition triggered by mites, often results in itching and rashes. In severe cases, scars may develop due to the rash or excessive scratching. While complete scar removal may not be feasible, there are numerous home remedies to minimize their appearance. If home treatments fail, consider surgical options. However, preventing scarring is best achieved by proper wound care.
Procedures
Utilizing Home Solutions
Massage the scar tissue to aid breakdown. Wait until the wound fully heals before initiating massage. Apply pressure on the scar tissue using your fingers, ensuring it's not painful. Employ circular motions during massage sessions to diminish tissue size. You can massage the scars multiple times daily.
- As fresh scar tissue may feel tender, avoid excessive pressure.
- Apply a small amount of petroleum jelly prior to massage to ease the process.
Alleviate itching by taking a lukewarm bath with baking soda or oatmeal. Fill your bathtub with warm water and add 2 ounces (57 g) of baking soda or 1 cup (90 g) of ground oatmeal. Soak in the bath for at least 10 minutes to reduce itching, redness, and swelling.
Softening hardened scar tissue with topical onion extract. Look for a cream or ointment containing onion extract at your local pharmacy. Apply a small amount to the scar tissue and massage until absorbed. Use up to 3 times daily for 2–3 months.
- Natural enzymes in onion extract aid in breaking down scar tissue for a smoother appearance.
Keep scars hydrated by using silicone gel sheets. Once scabies wounds heal, apply silicone sheets large enough to cover most scars. Press firmly onto the skin, replacing daily for 6–12 months to minimize visibility.
- Silicone gel sheets are available at pharmacies, or opt for silicone ointment if sheets are unavailable.
- Be aware of potential side effects like rash or dermatitis; consult a dermatologist if needed.
- Silicone sheets maintain skin moisture, preventing scabbing and scar formation.
Reduce raised scars with pressure dressing. Wrap a compression sleeve or elastic bandage around the scar during the day for consistent pressure. Remove only for bathing and replace every 6–8 weeks for optimal results.
- Consult a dermatologist or doctor for personalized dressing duration recommendations.
- Replace dressing regularly to maintain effectiveness.
Minimize scar appearance with vitamin E ointment. Apply a small amount of vitamin E ointment to scars and massage until absorbed. Use once or twice daily until scars begin to fade.
- Vitamin E ointments are available at pharmacies; alternatively, consider coconut or almond oil.
- Be cautious of sunlight sensitivity and potential irritation with vitamin E use.
Caution:
Exercise caution when using vitamin E as it may potentially exacerbate skin irritation. Discontinue use and consult a dermatologist if adverse reactions occur.
Protect your scars from darkening by applying sunscreen before going outdoors. Scar tissue is prone to faster discoloration, so shield yourself from the sun's rays. Choose a sunscreen with at least SPF 30 and evenly apply it onto your skin. Reapply every 2 hours for continued protection.
- Avoid applying sunscreen on scabies wounds until fully healed to prevent irritation or infection.
Exploring Medical Options
Consider light therapy to diminish raised scars and discoloration. Consult with a doctor or dermatologist to determine if light therapy is suitable for you. This treatment employs lasers or intense light pulses to smooth out scar tissue and reduce redness.
- While light therapy doesn't eliminate scars entirely, it can significantly reduce their visibility.
- Multiple sessions may be necessary depending on the severity of the scars.
Inquire about corticosteroid or bleomycin injections for raised scars. These injections contain enzymes that can alleviate itching and shrink raised scars. Consult a dermatologist to discuss this treatment option. If deemed appropriate, the dermatologist will inject the chemical directly into the scar tissue to promote breakdown. Multiple injections may be required to level the scar with the surrounding skin.
- You may experience temporary redness or swelling at the injection site.
- In some cases, injections may be combined with light therapy for enhanced results.
Consult your doctor about the possibility of undergoing a chemical peel to reduce scarring. Chemical peels remove surface layers of skin, aiding in scar reduction and blending. Discuss with your doctor to assess whether a chemical peel is suitable for treating your scabies scars. If deemed appropriate, a chemical solution will be applied to your skin to lighten it, followed by a healing process.
- Chemical peels may result in temporary redness, stinging, and swelling lasting up to 2 weeks.
Note: Following a chemical peel, your skin becomes highly susceptible to sun damage. Take precautions such as covering up or applying sunscreen to shield your skin from harm.
Explore cryosurgery as an option to diminish scarring. Cryosurgery involves freezing scar tissue to reduce its size and color. Consult a doctor to determine if cryosurgery is suitable for your condition. During the procedure, a freezing compound like liquid nitrogen is injected into the scar, leading to shrinkage and eventual elimination of the scar tissue.
- Additional corticosteroid injections may be administered to further reduce scar tissue.
- Painkillers and topical dressings are typically provided post-cryosurgery to alleviate discomfort.
Discuss surgical intervention if alternative treatments fail. If previous methods have proven ineffective, inquire with your doctor about surgical scar tissue removal. If considered viable, surgery will be scheduled to excise raised scarring, restoring skin to a level surface.
- Scars may recur even after surgical removal.
Preventing Scarring from Scabies
Arrange a doctor's appointment promptly upon experiencing symptoms to obtain medication. Scabies is highly contagious and requires prescription treatment. Visit a doctor for diagnosis confirmation and to receive a prescription ointment that eliminates the mites.
- You may also receive an oral antibiotic prescription to assist with your condition.
- Leaving scabies untreated can exacerbate scarring or lead to more severe skin conditions.
Note: Ensure every household member receives prescriptions as scabies easily spreads among them.
Administer the prescribed ointment before bedtime. Prior to application, cleanse your body to ensure cleanliness. Apply the ointment to your entire body, from neck to toes, even if the scabies are localized. Massage the ointment until absorbed and leave it on for 10–12 hours overnight to kill the mites.
- A single application should suffice, but symptom relief may take up to a month. If symptoms persist after 4 weeks, seek further treatment.
Avoid scratching affected areas. While tempting, scratching may worsen infection and scarring. Resist the urge and consider using antihistamines or calamine lotion to alleviate itching.
- Consult your doctor for persistent itching; they may prescribe suitable remedies.
Clean scabies wounds daily with gentle soap. Wash the wounds with warm water and mild liquid soap, gently massaging the area before rinsing thoroughly. Pat dry with a towel.
- Regular cleansing prevents bacterial growth and potential infections.
Apply petroleum jelly to the wound to maintain moisture. Use a small amount of petroleum jelly and massage it onto the skin. Ensure it forms a thin layer covering all wounds. Continue until fully absorbed.
- Dry skin is prone to scabbing, leading to scarring.
Change the bandage daily to safeguard the wounds. Select a bandage large enough to cover all wounds and press it firmly onto the skin. For non-adhesive bandages, secure with paper tape. Keep the bandage on throughout the day to retain moisture. Replace daily until scabies heal completely.
Recommendations
-
Many scars naturally fade with time, even without treatment.
-
Consider using lemon juice to lighten flat scabies scars, but protect the area with sunscreen due to increased sensitivity and risk of darkening.
-
Switching to an anti-inflammatory, low-glycemic diet may accelerate healing by providing more nutrients to the body.
Precautions
- Avoid excessive exfoliation as it may aggravate the area and exacerbate scars.
- Consult a doctor or dermatologist before using any natural remedies to ensure they do not cause adverse reactions.
- If you suspect scabies, seek immediate medical attention from a doctor or dermatologist as there are no proven over-the-counter remedies.
- Avoid close physical contact with individuals who have scabies or any items of clothing and bedding they have used.
