The problem? Scabies often goes unnoticed at first. The incubation period can last several weeks, giving the parasites time to multiply before the first symptoms appear.
Nighttime itching and skin lesions: signs to watch out for
The first warning sign is intense itching, especially at night. This is due to the body’s inflammatory response to the tunnels dug by the mites under the skin. But that’s not all:
Characteristic skin lesions: fine streaks, scabs, or redness appear, often mistaken for eczema.
Areas of the body affected: in children, itching is often located between the fingers, on the wrists, navel, thighs, or buttocks. The back and face are generally spared.
Family contamination: if several members of the same family or class complain of itching, scabies is a likely cause.
Mistakes to avoid: not treating yourself.
Faced with suggestive symptoms, it may be tempting to try home remedies or buy a treatment in a pharmacy without medical confirmation. However, these actions can be ineffective or even risky.
Misdiagnosis: Other skin conditions such as eczema or certain allergies can resemble scabies. Only a doctor can make an accurate diagnosis.
Inappropriate treatment: Using scabies medications without certainty of infection can cause side effects, particularly on the skin.
Persistent contamination: Even after treatment, if the environment is not properly disinfected (clothing, bedding, stuffed animals), reinfestation remains possible.
