Sarcoptic Mange Treatment in Humans

Sarcoptic mange is a disease in which the skin is infected by sarcoptes scabei mites. These mites burrow into the skin, causing itchiness, redness and skin flaking. Sarcoptic mange usually afflicts dogs and cats, although it occasionally affects humans, where it is commonly known as scabies. The mites of sarcoptic mange generally do not thrive with human hosts, dying within three weeks. Here are some treatments available for humans afflicted with sarcoptic mange.

Cortisosteroid Creams

• Corticosteroid creams are prescribed to treat the itching and irritation caused by the sarcoptic mange infection, though not the underlying infestation of mites. The reasoning behind this is that the mites afflicting a human will die off within a couple of weeks since they are unable to live with a human host.

Permethrin Cream

• If the infestation of mites is severe, physicians may prescribe a permethrin cream (Elimite). This topical treatment kills the mites on the surface of the skin to eliminate the infection. Usually a 5 percent permethrin cream is prescribed. Lower percentages such as 1 or 2 percent may not be powerful enough to kill the mites. The cream should only be used for the time period prescribed as extended use could cause harmful side effects.

Oral Anti-Paristic Medication

• Another approach to treating sarcoptic mange in humans is an oral anti-parisitic medication such as ivermectin, which will make the human host a less desirable environment for mites by killing the parasite internally. Once again, oral anti-parisitic medications must be taken only as prescribed, as they could be harmful if ingested improperly.