About Scabies
Scabies is an extremely contagious skin condition, which is caused by scabies mites which is named as Sarcoptes Scabiei. Scabies mites can be transmitted to humans through physical contact and sharing clothing or other items. The predominant symptoms of a scabies infection are intense itching and presence of a rash and erythematous bumps all over the body.
Scabies is an infection which does not go away on its own, but requires proper treatment in the form of lotions, creams, and medications so as to eradicate the scabies mites and clear the infection. Normally, it takes about seven to eight weeks for the first symptoms of scabies to appear after the transmission of the scabies mites in an individual.
How Long Does Scabies Last?
If an individual is at risk for contacting scabies infection and has symptoms of it then it is highly recommended to go to the physician to get tested for the infection. This will not only calm down the symptoms of scabies, but will also protect others from getting the infection.
It is also highly recommended that once an individual is diagnosed with scabies then all his or her family members and partners are tested for scabies infection as scabies infection spreads quite rapidly. The initial treatment of scabies will be lotions and creams, which will calm down the inflammation and reduce the severity of the rashes and bumps. Additionally steroid creams will also be prescribed for treating the symptoms of a scabies infection.
Coming to the pertinent question of how long the symptoms of scabies last, the duration is quite variable and depends on the severity of the condition and the overall health of the individual. Normally, it takes about six weeks for the scabies symptoms to resolve, but in some cases the symptoms may persist for well beyond six weeks and may take even months for the symptoms of scabies to eventually go away.
In case if an individual has symptoms of scabies for beyond six weeks then it is best for the individual to continue with treatment from the healthcare provider and continue to take the medications as advised by the physician as it may then take up to 10-12 weeks for the symptoms of scabies to go away.
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