scabies

[lastofthemohicans]

Hi

Has anyone had scabies that won’t go away or even crusted scabies. I have been suffering from it for a while and cannot get a diagnosis from my doctor. I would be interested in other peoples experience with this illness.

A reply would be appreciated.

[saj01]

Hi Just a query, how long have you had it and how do you know it's scabies if your doctor hasn't confirmed it.? Have you tried the usual treatments and followed all the guidelines for cleaning/ washing etc. What does your doctor say?

[lastofthemohicans in reply to saj01]

Thanks for your reply. With crusted scabies it is extremely difficult to get a diagnosis as it is quite rare. I know from my own research what it is. I’ve done all the washing and cleaning.

[moo196 in reply to lastofthemohicans]

Best to check with your pharmacist perhaps?

[saj01]

Hi, crusted scabies is usually quite different but the crusting remains the same. Would have thought if that's what you have, your gp would be able to identify it because of the crusting and treat it Is it still itchy? If you're not happy ask to get referred to dermatology!

[lastofthemohicans in reply to saj01]

Thanks for the reply. With mild crusted scabies there are no crusts hence the difficulty of getting a diagnosis from a doctor. There is also no itching. Do you have any knowledge about crusted scabies or anyone who has had it ?

[saj01 in reply to lastofthemohicans]

I've known someone who did have a lot of crusting, looked awful. Gp's are usually able to diagnose it. Can't you go back and ask if you can get referred to a dermotologist if they won't help you.

[lastofthemohicans in reply to saj01]

I have seen a dermatologist but because it is mild they are unable to diagnose it. What was your friend given to clear it up?

[saj01 in reply to lastofthemohicans]

That's odd, they would normally take skin scrapings to determine what it is. I can't remember what they were given, it was a long time ago.

[lastofthemohicans in reply to saj01]

We’re they given oral ivermectin? It is unlicensed in this country but can be prescribed by a doctor. I have never had a skin scraping. Do you think that would help me get a diagnosis?

[saj01 in reply to lastofthemohicans]

as i said, it was a long time ago and I don't recall the name of it. If they can't i.d. it visually or under a handheld magnifier then the only option is a skin scraping. If you do have crusted scabies there would be loads of mites.

[lastofthemohicans in reply to saj01]

Do you remember how they got it? I will see if I can have a skin scraping if that is what it takes to get a diagnosis. I got it from a hotel bed.

[saj01 in reply to lastofthemohicans]

I've got no idea, as I said it was a very long time ago. From what I know the only difference between the 2 is ordinary scabies turns to crusted because of a severe reaction by the person concerned, i.e. perhaps someone who is auto immune?

People get scabies normally from physical contact with someone who has it. It's not an illness it's a highly contagious infection.

Thinking about it, I knew someone who was convinced they had scabies, but it turned out they didn't, they had morgellons.

[lastofthemohicans in reply to saj01]

Thanks for your help. You are the only person who I have found who has known someone with this particular illness.

[Galen70]

This sounds a bit unusual. Scabies is most often passed by skin to skin contact. A skin biopsy can be performed if there is a clinical uncertainty. So you have "mild crusted scabies " with which you dont have any crusting or itching - so how would you have thought you had the issue in the first place ?