Scabies in Houston, TX

We have really amazing medical teams at Advanced Dermatology in Katy, League City, Pearland, and Sugar Land, TX who can successfully treat scabies. Once the scabies mites (sarcoptes scabiei) come into contact with your skin, the mites will dig into the upper layer and cause an itchy rash that looks like a tunnel. Upon diagnosis, our practitioners can offer you prescription-strength creams to eliminate the problem. If not treated as soon as possible, this parasitic arthropod will feed off your skin, lay eggs, and burrow in lines across the infested area and will only continue to spread. If you think you or someone in your household may have scabies, call today and schedule an appointment at Advanced Dermatology.

The mites make their way into your skin because they need a human host in order to survive. Although not an infection, scabies is an infestation of very small mites that stay on the outer layer of human skin. It is contagious and requires medical treatment.

The first noticeable symptom of scabies is the itchy rash that accompanies the infestation in your skin. Scabies can be painfully itchy. At first, it may look like a normal rash with bumps and blisters. As it progresses, the bumps will form lines (tunnels) under your skin.

Scabies is diagnosed through a clinical examination at Advanced Dermatology, where a member of our team will carefully examine the skin for signs of the characteristic scabies rash and burrows, which are small, winding, raised lines caused by mites burrowing under the skin. To confirm the diagnosis, a dermatologist may perform a skin scraping, collecting a small sample from an affected area to examine under a microscope. This allows for the detection of mites, eggs, or fecal matter, which confirms the presence of scabies. In some cases, a dermatoscope, a special magnifying tool, can also be used to detect the burrows and identify the mites more easily. Once diagnosed, appropriate treatment can be recommended to relieve symptoms and eliminate the mites.

Risk factors for scabies include close physical contact with an infected person, making it common in crowded living conditions such as nursing homes, dormitories, and prisons. Sharing personal items like bedding, towels, or clothing can also facilitate the spread of scabies. Individuals with weakened immune systems, such as those with HIV/AIDS or undergoing chemotherapy, are more susceptible. Poor hygiene and lack of access to proper sanitation further increase the risk. Awareness of these factors can aid in prevention and prompt treatment.

To diagnose scabies, your practitioner may take a skin sample and look under a microscope if it is not clear what you have is indeed scabies. Once it is confirmed, we can prescribe a medical-grade cream to eliminate the microscopic mites in your skin. Once you apply the scabies cream, you may still feel like the mites are crawling under your skin — this is normal. A second treatment may be needed if your scabies infestation is severe. Please follow all of the instructions given during your treatment. It could mean the difference between a second outbreak or infestation for your whole family.

Do I have to see a dermatologist for scabies?

If you think you may have scabies, it's best to see a dermatologist promptly so they can diagnose the issue and provide the appropriate treatment. Leaving scabies untreated can lead to a worsening infestation and other health issues. Our trusted dermatologists in Katy, League City, Pearland, and Sugar Land, TX provide comprehensive care so you see results as quickly and safely as possible.

How do I prevent scabies?

The best way to prevent scabies is to avoid contact with people that have been infested and practice good hygiene. This includes washing your hands often, avoiding close contact with others (shaking hands, etc.), not sharing personal items like towels, and washing all bedding and clothing in hot water after use. It's also important to treat all members of the household if someone has scabies, as it can easily spread.

Does scabies treatment hurt?

No, scabies treatment does not hurt. Our professionals at Advanced Dermatology provide creams that are specially formulated to effectively eliminate scabies infestations. While applying the cream may cause some temporary itching, it's not painful and should not cause any other discomfort. Our medical experts can answer questions and provide guidance throughout your treatment.

The burrowing mites involved in a scabies infestation do not discriminate and can be nearly impossible to treat without the help of a medical professional. Call us and schedule an appointment today for your scabies treatment. At Advanced Dermatology, we offer our services to patients of all ages in Katy, League City, Pearland, and Sugar Land, TX.