What are the aftereffects of scabies?

Sep 03, 2025 Source: Cainiu Health

Dr. Liu Wenmin

Introduction

In general, scabies may lead to sequelae such as skin pigmentation, scar formation, chronic itching, residual nodules of scabies in the scrotum, and persistent skin infections if treatment is delayed, care is improper, or reinfection occurs repeatedly. It is recommended to seek timely and standardized treatment upon the onset of scabies, avoid scratching the skin, maintain skin cleanliness, and thoroughly disinfect personal items to prevent recurrence.

Generally, scabies may leave sequelae such as skin pigmentation, scar formation, chronic itching, residual nodules of scabies on the scrotum, and other skin infection-related issues if treatment is delayed, care is inappropriate, or reinfection occurs. A detailed analysis is as follows:

1. Skin Pigmentation: The inflammatory response caused by scabies stimulates melanocytes, leading to pigmentation at the affected areas. This commonly occurs in regions where mites easily parasitize, such as between the fingers, wrists, armpits, and groin, presenting as brown or dark red patches. The depth of color is related to the severity of the inflammation.

2. Scar Formation: Some patients experience intense itching caused by scabies, leading to repeated scratching and skin damage or epidermal defects. If the injury involves the dermis, scars may form after healing. Mild cases may present as superficial, small scars, while severe cases may develop hypertrophic scars or pitted scars.

3. Chronic Itching: If scabies is not completely treated, residual mites or their excretions may continue to stimulate skin nerves, or the skin's nerve sensitivity may increase after the inflammation subsides, potentially causing chronic itching. The itching often worsens at night, is less severe than in the acute phase, and recurs frequently, which may interfere with sleep quality.

4. Residual Scabies Nodules on the Scrotum: Male patients are prone to develop scabies nodules on the scrotum. Even after the systemic symptoms of scabies have resolved, hardened nodules may remain in this area. These nodules are typically pea-sized, firm, pale red or skin-colored papules, accompanied by intermittent itching and slow resolution.

5. Skin Infection-related Issues: Skin damage caused by scratching can easily lead to secondary bacterial infections, such as folliculitis and impetigo. After the infection heals, in addition to possible pigmentation, the affected areas may develop rough skin, fine depressions, or punctate scars.

It is recommended to seek timely and standardized treatment upon the onset of scabies, avoid scratching, maintain skin cleanliness, and thoroughly disinfect personal items to prevent recurrence. If the aforementioned sequelae occur after treatment, local care and symptomatic medication can be used to improve the conditions and reduce their impact on daily life.

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What is the best medication for treating scabies?

Generally speaking, there is no definitive answer to the question "what is the best medication for treating scabies." Scabies is a contagious skin disease caused by the parasitism of Sarcoptes scabiei mites in the epidermal layer of human skin. Patients can follow medical advice to use medications such as Ivermectin chewable tablets, Crotonate cream, Zinc oxide and sublimed sulfur ointment, Benzyl benzoate lotion, and Basil oil cream for treatment.

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How to treat scabies彻底?

Generally speaking, there is no such thing as a "radical cure for scabies." The main treatments for scabies include isolation treatment, topical medication, oral medication, symptomatic itch relief, and simultaneous treatment of close contacts. Additionally, during treatment, patients should follow medical advice to use medications properly, avoid adjusting dosages or stopping medication on their own, and undergo regular follow-up examinations to confirm the elimination of scabies mites.

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How to tell if scabies mites are gone

In general, to determine whether scabies mites have been completely eliminated, one should assess the following: disappearance of itching, resolution of skin rashes, absence of burrow-like skin lesions, no symptoms in family members, and no recurrence during the observation period. In daily life, clothing, bedding, and similar items should be thoroughly washed and boiled for disinfection to prevent reinfestation. Keeping the skin clean and dry, and avoiding scratching the skin, can help promote skin recovery.

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What are the fastest treatment methods for scabies?

Scabies is a contagious skin disease caused by the scabies mite. There is generally no "fastest treatment for scabies." It can usually be treated effectively through standardized application of topical insecticidal creams, combined use of anti-itch medications, oral antiparasitic drugs, thorough disinfection of personal items, and simultaneous treatment of close contacts. If you have any concerns, it is recommended to seek medical advice in advance.