How to treat sarcoptosis caused by ticks? - briefly
Effective management combines topical scabicidal agents such as permethrin or benzyl benzoate applied to the affected skin, and oral ivermectin (200 µg/kg) administered in one to two doses for systemic control. Adjunctive antihistamines relieve pruritus, while thorough cleaning of bedding and clothing prevents reinfestation.
How to treat sarcoptosis caused by ticks? - in detail
Tick‑induced sarcoptosis requires prompt identification and a multimodal therapeutic approach. The first step is accurate diagnosis, which combines a thorough history of recent tick exposure with clinical signs such as intense pruritus, erythematous papules, and burrow‑like tracks on the skin. Microscopic examination of skin scrapings or dermatoscopic visualization confirms the presence of Sarcoptes scabiei mites, eggs, or fecal pellets.
After confirmation, treatment proceeds on three fronts: acaricidal therapy, anti‑inflammatory control, and secondary infection prevention.
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Acaricidal agents
- Topical permethrin 5 % applied to the entire body surface from the neck down, left for 8–14 hours, then washed off; repeat after one week to eliminate newly hatched mites.
- Benzyl benzoate 25 % as an alternative for patients intolerant to permethrin; applied similarly, with careful avoidance of mucous membranes.
- Ivermectin oral dose of 200 µg/kg administered once, with a second dose after 7–10 days for refractory cases or extensive infestation; monitor liver function before use.
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Anti‑inflammatory measures
- Topical corticosteroids (e.g., 1 % hydrocortisone) applied to inflamed areas to reduce itching and swelling.
- Oral antihistamines (e.g., cetirizine 10 mg once daily) to control pruritus, especially at night.
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Management of secondary bacterial infection
- Topical mupirocin for localized impetiginous lesions.
- Systemic antibiotics (e.g., cephalexin 500 mg three times daily) when cellulitis or extensive infection is evident; culture and sensitivity guide selection.
Supportive care includes maintaining skin hygiene, using lukewarm baths with mild soap, and applying emollients to restore barrier function. All household members and close contacts should receive simultaneous prophylactic treatment, because sarcoptic mites spread easily via prolonged skin‑to‑skin contact. Bedding, clothing, and towels must be washed at 60 °C or sealed in plastic bags for at least 72 hours to eradicate dormant mites.
Follow‑up assessment after two weeks evaluates treatment efficacy: resolution of lesions, absence of new burrows, and relief of pruritus. Persistent symptoms warrant repeat skin scraping and possible escalation to higher‑dose ivermectin or combination therapy. Patient education on tick avoidance—use of repellents, protective clothing, and prompt removal of attached ticks—reduces the risk of re‑infestation.