Generally, it is not recommended to treat mange at home. You will need medications prescribed by a doctor to prevent its spreading to other family members.
Mange is a type of skin condition caused by tiny parasites called mites. Besides humans, mites can live on animals, such as cats and dogs. Generally, it is not recommended to treat mange at home. You will need medications prescribed by a doctor to prevent its spreading to other family members. These medications called “anti-scabies drugs” kill mites and their eggs. Your family members will also have to take the same treatment given to you. The recommended treatment usually includes:
- Topical 5% Permethrin cream (apply it from the neck to toe and keep it overnight; it can be used in a person aged at least 2 months)
- Antihistamine tablets (for 3 days)
- Tablet Ivermectin (two doses at 2 weeks interval)
To soothe the affected areas, you can apply a cool compress or calamine lotion.
People have been using various home remedies to apply to the affected skin, and some of them are proven to be effective. Ask your doctor if you can use any of these:
- Tea tree oil
- Neem
- Aloe vera gel
- Olive oil
- Clove oil
Below are other steps that you need to follow:
- Cleaning the linens: Wash all the linens and clothing in the house by soaking in hot water and drying them in the dryer or dry cleaning them.
- Do not scratch the affected areas: Scratching the affected areas can break open the skin and increase your risk of infection.
What is mange?
Mange is a highly contagious skin condition, which is caused by mites. Mites are tiny parasites that make their homes in your skin and lay their eggs. Allergic reaction to feces and proteins of the mites can give rise to itching, which can become rashes, red bumps, or blisters.
Mange can spread to you through animals or another human. The condition is known as mange in animals, whereas in humans, it is known as “scabies.”
What are the symptoms of mange in humans?
Signs and symptoms of mange can take up to 4 weeks to surface after mites infest your skin. These include:
- Severe itching that worsens at night
- Typical rash that is known as “scabies rash”
- Burrowing of the skin by mites that appear as white tracts, bumps, or blisters in typical areas that include:
- Finger webs
- Male genital areas
- Breasts
- Armpits
- Inner elbows, wrists, and knees
- Buttocks
- Soles of the feet
- Shoulder blades
What causes mange?
Mange that infects humans is caused by the mite Sarcoptes scabiei. Mange is a common skin disease found in wild and domestic animals.
If you suspect that your pet or farm animal has mange, contact your veterinarian. Remember to wash your hands frequently after touching animals who have developed mange.