What department should I visit for scabies?
Sep 03, 2025
Source: Cainiu Health
Dr. Liu Wenmin
Introduction
In general, if scabies occurs, you may visit the dermatology, infectious disease, pediatrics, traditional Chinese medicine, or general practice departments according to the specific situation. Additionally, after developing scabies, you should avoid close contact with others, and personal clothing, bedding, towels, etc., should be washed separately and disinfected by boiling or sun-drying. At the same time, avoid scratching the skin to prevent skin damage and subsequent infection.
Generally, when scabies occurs, one can visit the dermatology department, infectious disease department, pediatrics department, traditional Chinese medicine (TCM) department, or general practice department according to specific circumstances. Detailed explanations are as follows:
1. Dermatology Department
Scabies is a contagious skin disease caused by Sarcoptes scabiei mites parasitizing the epidermis. Its typical symptom is intense skin itching, especially worsening at night, accompanied by skin lesions such as papules and vesicles. Dermatologists are skilled in diagnosing various skin diseases and can accurately determine whether the condition is scabies by observing the morphology of skin lesions and analyzing medical history.
2. Infectious Disease Department
Scabies is highly contagious and can spread through direct or indirect contact with the patient's clothing, bedding, and other items, thus falling within the category of infectious diseases. Doctors in the infectious disease department have extensive experience in managing infectious diseases. In addition to treating scabies itself, they can also guide patients on isolation and protection measures to prevent spreading the disease to family members or others.
3. Pediatrics Department
Children's skin is delicate, and symptoms after scabies infection may differ from those in adults. Additionally, medication dosages and treatment methods require special caution. Pediatricians are familiar with children's physiological characteristics and can adjust treatment plans according to the child's age, weight, and other factors, selecting mild and safe medications.
4. Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM) Department
In terms of TCM theory, scabies is mostly caused by the accumulation of damp-heat in the skin and invasion of pathogenic parasites. The TCM department can provide treatment based on syndrome differentiation. Physicians prescribe Chinese herbal formulas that clear heat, remove dampness, kill parasites, and relieve itching according to the patient's constitution, combined with external herbal washes, moxibustion, and other methods. This approach not only alleviates itching and eliminates skin lesions but also regulates the internal body environment to reduce the likelihood of recurrence, making it suitable for patients preferring TCM treatment.
5. General Practice Department
If patients live in areas with limited medical resources or are unsure whether their symptoms indicate scabies, they can visit the general practice department. General practitioners can perform initial diagnoses to determine whether the condition is scabies or another skin issue. For patients diagnosed with scabies and with mild symptoms, they can provide direct treatment.
In addition, once scabies occurs, it is important to avoid close contact with others. Personal clothing, bedding, towels, etc., should be washed separately and disinfected by boiling in hot water or sun-drying. Furthermore, scratching the skin should be avoided to prevent breaking the skin and secondary infections. During treatment, patients should also follow medical advice and take medications on schedule to ensure complete recovery.
