Can I get some sun exposure if I have scabies?
Disease description:
I felt itchy a few days ago and went for a check-up, where they told me I had scabies, caused by scabies mites. I would like to ask if I can be exposed to sunlight?
The effectiveness of sun exposure for scabies mites varies from person to person. Ultraviolet light in sunlight does have certain bactericidal effects and may exert some inhibitory effect on scabies mites. However, because scabies mites vary in their ability to absorb ultraviolet light, and the UV intensity of everyday sun exposure may be insufficient to effectively kill the mites, the effectiveness of sunbathing in eliminating scabies mites is limited. Moreover, if the patient already has scabies, excessive sun exposure might aggravate skin inflammation; therefore, treating scabies infections by sun exposure is not recommended. For scabies infestations, patients should seek timely medical attention and use specific acaricidal medications under a physician's guidance, following the doctor's treatment and care recommendations. At the same time, maintaining good personal hygiene practices, such as bathing regularly, changing clothes frequently, and airing out clothing and bedding often, are also important measures for preventing and controlling scabies mites.