Scabies and Eczema are two very common skin conditions that cause people to have intense itching. They can be very uncomfortable. While they’re very similar, the causes as well as ways of treating each are very different.
It’s very important that you have an accurate diagnosis to determine whether you have scabies, or eczema, so that you can get the right treatment to help your skin heal.
Scabies is a highly contagious infestation of tiny mites that borrow into the skin. Eczema is an inflammatory skin condition that can be caused by triggers from the environment as well as genetics.
Treatment options can include Dermeleve® to help manage the itchy, irritated skin. We hope this article will help you gain a better understanding of each of these skin conditions including how to spot the differences, what the symptoms are, and the best ways to effectively treat both scabies and eczema.
What Is Scabies?
Scabies is a mite infestation that’s caused by Sarcoptes scabiei. These are tiny mites that dig into human skin. They cause an itchy rash as well as terrible discomfort.
How Scabies Spreads
Scabies is a very contagious skin disease. People spread it through direct skin to skin contact. This means that sleeping in the same bed or sharing towels, or prolonged physical contact can increase the risk of a scabies outbreak. It’s common to see outbreaks of scabies in crowded places including nursing homes, child daycare centers, summer camps, and college dorms.
Symptoms of Scabies
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Itching: The most noticeable symptom is intense itching, especially at night.
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Rash: A red, pimple-like rash due to mites burrowing into the skin.
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Sores: Excessive scratching can lead to bacterial infections.
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Common Locations: Between fingers, wrists, elbows, waistline, and genital area.
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Norwegian Scabies (Crusted Scabies): This is a severe form of scabies where thousands of mites and eggs gather together. This causes thick crusts to form on the skin.
Diagnosing Scabies
Doctors diagnose scabies through a skin examination. A skin scraping test may be done under a microscope to confirm the diagnosis of the presence of scabies mites and eggs.
What Is Eczema?
Eczema is a chronic skin condition that can be caused by many different things. It can be caused by environmental factors such as cold and dry weather, allergens like mold, genetics, and irritants.
Triggers of Eczema
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Allergens: Dust, pollen, pet dander and even mold.
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Irritants: Harsh soaps, fragrances, and chemicals.
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Stress: Emotional stress can cause flare-ups.
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Weather Changes: Cold, dry air often worsens symptoms.
Symptoms of Eczema
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Rash: Dry, scaly patches on the skin.
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Itching: Persistent itching that worsens with scratching.
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Skin Inflammation: Redness and swelling.
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Flare-Ups: Symptoms may come and go, triggered by external factors.
Diagnosing Eczema
To diagnose eczema, doctors will usually check your medical history to see if you have had symptoms in the past. They’ll also check your medical history to check medications and your full medical history. Allergy tests can be given to determine whether you have specific environmental triggers for eczema.
Comparing Scabies and Eczema
While scabies and eczema both cause bad itching and rashes on skin, their causes as well as the way the progress are not the same. As mentioned before, scabies is a disease caused by a mite infestation in the skin. Eczema is caused by environmental triggers and genetics.
Scabies is an extremely contagious skin disease while eczema is not contagious at all. Scabies can cause severe night itching, but eczema can have very persistent itching that will vary in intensity no matter what time of day it is.
Scabies will usually cause a rash on the hands, wrists, elbows, waistline, and genital area. Eczema is usually on the face, hands, behind the knees, and behind the elbows. Prescription medications are taken to kill the mites that cause scabies.
With eczema, people can use over the counter moisturizers like Dermeleve® to help control the symptoms and prevent flare-ups. An anti-inflammatory medication like hydrocortisone is also used to alleviate the swelling caused from eczema. Medications that contain steroids should be used with care as long term use can cause irritation to worsen.
Hydrocortisone can also cause side effects and withdrawal symptoms if you try to stop using them after using them for a long period of time. Dermeleve® is steroid free and relives itching caused by eczema.
Treatment of Scabies
Scabies treatment focuses on eliminating mites and relieving itching.
Prescription Medications
Doctors will usually prescribe a cream or lotion that has been approved to treat scabies, such as permethrin, to get rid of the mites. Ivermectin is an oral medication that may be prescribed for severe cases. This is also a commonly used medication that doctors will prescribe to treat what is known as Norwegian scabies.
How to Treat Scabies at Home
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Follow the Instructions: Apply prescribed topical medications as directed.
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Wash Bedding and Clothing: Use hot water and dry on high heat to kill mites.
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Disinfect Surfaces: Items that can't be washed should be sealed in a bag for at least 14 hours.
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Avoid Close Contact: Prevent spreading scabies by avoiding prolonged skin-to-skin contact.
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Repeat Treatment: Some cases require a second application after four weeks.
How Long Does Scabies Last?
Without treatment, scabies may persist indefinitely as mites lay eggs and continue to spread. Scabies mites can live on a person for up to two months if left untreated. Anyone can get scabies, so it is very important to seek treatment if you suspect that you may have it. With proper treatment, symptoms typically improve within one to two weeks, though itching may persist for a few weeks.
Best Way to Prevent Getting Scabies
Prevention is key to avoiding scabies outbreaks.
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Avoid close physical contact with infected individuals as scabies is highly contagious.
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Be sure to wash towels, bedding, and clothing regularly.
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Use prescription medications as recommended if diagnosed with scabies.
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Treat all household members if someone has scabies.
When to Contact Your Healthcare Provider
If you think that you might have scabies or you have been diagnosed with scabies, seek medical attention for the appropriate treatment. Prescription medications can kill the mites, and early treatment helps prevent scabies outbreaks.
Treatment of Eczema
Eczema causes dry, itchy skin that can be hard to manage. While there’s no permanent cure for eczema, the right treatment can bring relief.
How to Treat Eczema
Doctors often recommend steroid creams, antihistamines, or moisturizers to calm irritation. For severe cases, prescription medications or light therapy may be needed.
How to Soothe Eczema at Home
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Moisturize Daily: Use Dermeleve® to stop itching fast and keep skin hydrated.
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Avoid Triggers: Stay away from harsh soaps, fragrances, and allergens.
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Take Lukewarm Showers: Hot water dries out the skin.
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Wear Soft Fabrics: Cotton is best to prevent irritation.
Get Fast Relief with Dermeleve®
Eczema doesn’t have to take over your life. Dermeleve® works fast, lasts long, and soothes itchy skin without steroids. Get yours today and stop the itch!
Important Things to Remember About Scabies and Eczema
While eczema is something that you may have to deal with throughout your lifetime, treatment options can help cut down on the inflammation and itching that comes with this common skin issue.
Scabies, on the other hand, will need to be handled by a medical professional who can prescribe medications to kill the mites. For the itchy skin associated with scabies, you can find relief with over-the-counter medications used in combination with your prescription medications.
Here are a few things to remember about each of these itchy skin conditions:
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Scabies is a mite infestation that spreads through direct skin-to-skin contact.
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Eczema is a chronic skin condition triggered by allergens, stress, and irritants.
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Symptoms of scabies include intense itching, rash, and sores, while eczema causes dry, scaly skin patches.
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Treatment for scabies includes prescription medications such as permethrin cream and oral ivermectin.
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To prevent getting scabies, avoid close contact with infected individuals, wash bedding and towels, and follow treatment instructions carefully.
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Dermeleve® is a great option for managing itch relief and reducing discomfort caused by skin irritation.
For fast relief from itching and irritation, try Dermeleve® today and start combatting that itchy skin moisturizing relief!