Quick Home Guide: Bye Bye Skin Infections & Scabies Care www.drs.com.ng

Quick Home Guide: Skin Infections & Scabies Care

🧫 Fungal Skin Infections

Common Names:

• Ringworm, Athlete’s foot, Jock itch, Candida rash

Caused by: Fungi (e.g. Tinea, Candida)

Symptoms:

• Itchy, red, scaly patches

• Circular, raised borders (especially in ringworm)

Treatment:

• Topical antifungals: Clotrimazole, Miconazole, Ketoconazole

• Oral antifungals: For scalp/nail infections

• Keep area dry & clean

🧪 Bacterial Skin Infections

Common Names:

• Boils, Impetigo, Cellulitis, Acne

Caused by: Bacteria (Staph, Strep)

Symptoms:

• Red, swollen, painful, warm skin

• May ooze pus or form crust

Treatment:

• Topical antibiotics: Mupirocin, Neomycin

• Oral antibiotics: Cephalexin, Amoxicillin

• Clean wounds daily

🕷️ SCABIES CARE GUIDE

Caused by: Mites (Sarcoptes scabiei)

Signs:

• Intense itching, especially at night

• Tiny burrows, red bumps between fingers, wrists, waist, genitals

✅ Step-by-Step Treatment

1. Apply treatment (Permethrin or Benzyl Benzoate):

   • All over body (except face unless infected)

   • Leave for 8–12 hours, then wash off

   • Repeat in 7 days if needed

2. Treat all household members – even without symptoms.

3. Kill mites on items:

   • Wash clothes, sheets, towels in hot water ≥60°C

   • Dry in high heat

   • Or seal items in plastic bags for 7 days

4. Stop itching:

   • Antihistamines (e.g. Loratadine)

   • Calamine lotion

5. Prevent infection:

   • Apply gentian violet on scratched wounds to avoid bacterial infection

   • Monitor for signs of impetigo

💊 Gentian Violet: What It Does

• Kills bacteria & fungi on open wounds

• Used for:

  • Skin sores

  • Fungal rashes

  • Oral thrush in infants

• Apply with cotton once or twice daily

• Stains skin purple but dries wounds

🧼 Essential Hygiene Tips

• No skin-to-skin contact during infection

• Avoid sharing clothes, towels, beddings

• Trim fingernails to prevent scratching

• Regularly disinfect surfaces

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