Dealing with scabies? New Jersey’s Skin & Laser Center of NJ team explains that this one of the most common dermatological conditions in the world, affecting more than 100 million people at any given time. This skin infestation is caused by microscopic parasites known as scabies mites, which burrow into the top layer of the skin, where they live, feed, and reproduce. The skin reacts to the mites, causing an extremely itchy rash to develop. The mites are capable of traveling from one person to another, making the condition highly contagious. While most people get scabies from direct skin-to-skin contact, it can also be acquired through contact with infected items such as bedding, clothes, and furniture. A brief handshake or hug usually isn’t sufficient contact to spread scabies. The skin-to-skin contact must be prolonged enough for a mite to crawl from one person to another. Mites that cause scabies can survive for roughly 48 to 72 hours without human contact.
After the mite burrows into the skin, it takes time for the first symptoms to appear. If a person has had scabies before, the itching usually begins within one to four days. When a person has not previously had scabies, the body needs time to develop a reaction to the mite, which can take two to six weeks. Symptoms include severe itching, especially at night, and a rash that can look similar to eczema and may develop into thick crusts on the skin. The rash is common on the hands (especially between the fingers), arms, elbows, wrists, and skin covered by clothing or jewelry.
In late 2016 she founded the Skin & Laser Center of NJ, LLC in Mahwah, NJ where she continues to treat her medical and cosmetic patients, and further pursues her interest in laser medicine. Dr. Lieb’s mission is to provide high quality dermatologic care using up-to-date medical information and cutting edge technology in an efficiently run practice. Dr. Lieb is board certified in dermatology, is a Fellow of the American Academy of Dermatology, a member of the American Society of Dermatologic Surgery, the American Society of Laser Medicine and Surgery, and the New Jersey Dermatologic Society. Dr. Lieb is a Staff Dermatologist at The Valley Hospital in Ridgewood.
To effectively treat scabies, both the mites and their eggs need to be destroyed. Before this can happen, a dermatologist needs to formally diagnose scabies by visually examining a patient’s skin from head to toe. The provider may perform a skin biopsy to confirm the diagnosis.
Scabies treatment options at Skin & Laser Center of NJ include weekly topical medicated cream applications or oral medications. Most patients can be effectively cured with topical medicine. This medicine is often applied to all skin from the neck down at bedtime, and washed off in the morning. Infants and young children often need treatment for their face and scalp, too. Treatment can get rid of the mites and symptoms such as itching, and treat any infection that has developed. It is imperative to follow the doctor’s instructions and to wash all recently used clothing and bedding in hot water the next day.
For the first few days to a week, the rash and itch can worsen during treatment. Within four weeks, your skin should heal. If your skin has not healed within four weeks, you may still have mites. Some people need to repeat the treatment cycle two or three times to get rid of the mites. If you have any questions or concerns about your treatment, contact your provider.
Skin & Laser Center of NJ in Ramsey provides a wide range of medical, surgical, and cosmetic services for patients in and around New Jersey. Patients can get diagnosis and treatment for acne, skin cancer (with Mohs surgery), chronic conditions (like psoriasis, rosacea, and eczema), moles, melasma, vitiligo, athlete’s foot, toenail fungus, scabies, contact dermatitis, and more. Cosmetic options include wrinkle-relaxing BOTOX® and Dysport®, dermal fillers like Juvederm® and Restylane®, Kybella® for reducing a double chin, chemical peels, Hydrafacial MD, microneedling, laser hair removal, laser acne treatments, laser scar treatments, laser tattoo removal, CoolSculpting®, laser vein treatments, sclerotherapy, and more.
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