What is the difference between scabies and allergies, their symptoms, and how to distinguish between them? Many people confuse scabies with skin allergies, and despite the great similarity between them, especially in symptoms, they are two different skin diseases. We will learn the difference between the two conditions in terms of symptoms, diagnosis, and effective treatment methods.
What is scabies
Scabies is a skin disease that results in itching due to an allergic reaction in the body. It is caused by a small mite called the mite, which penetrates the skin to lay its eggs. It is easily transmitted through skin-to-skin contact.
What is an allergy
Skin allergies (urticaria) are an abnormal response of the body's immune system to an allergen. The immune system produces antibodies against it, causing allergic symptoms that vary in severity from person to person.
Symptoms of scabies and allergies
- Severe itching is the most common symptom, which increases in severity at night.
- Striae are thin, wavy lines that appear on the skin.
- A rash in the form of small red bumps or blisters.
Symptoms of skin allergies (urticaria):
- Red spots and swelling on the skin.
- Itching that appears suddenly and disappears within a short time.
- Rash.
- Dry skin.
- Scaling skin.
Respiratory symptoms of allergies include:
- Shortness of breath.
- Chest tickling.
- Nasal congestion.
- Runny nose.
- Wheezing.
- Coughing.
- Sneezing.
What are the causes of scabies
Scabies is caused by the scabies mite parasite and is transmitted through direct physical contact. The most common method of transmission is direct skin-to-skin contact with an infected person.
Other causes include sharing personal items. The mite can be transmitted by sharing clothing and towels with an infected person or through sexual contact between partners.
Causes of Skin Allergies
Allergies occur when the immune system overreacts to certain substances in the environment, known as allergens. External causes include:
- Pet dander.
- Pollen, such as those from flowers.
- Dust found on surfaces.
- Pesticides.
- Mold.
Internal causes include:
- Eating certain foods, such as nuts, milk, eggs, and fish.
- Taking certain medications, such as antibiotics and painkillers, such as aspirin.
- Using certain chemicals on the skin, such as cosmetics.
How do we differentiate between skin allergies and scabies
Allergies are an allergic reaction that causes red, swollen patches on the skin that appear and disappear quickly, while scabies is a contagious skin disease caused by a tiny mite called the mite. Scabies is characterized by intense itching and fine lines under the skin.
Methods for Diagnosing Scabies and Allergies
Scabies is diagnosed by taking a sample of the mite or its eggs from the affected skin and examining it under a microscope. Initially, the doctor relies on the skin rash and medical history to make the diagnosis.
Allergies are diagnosed through a physical examination, a doctor's consultation, detailed questions about allergy symptoms, and tests such as a skin prick test or blood tests.
Scabies Treatment
Treatment of scabies primarily relies on:
- Topical creams, such as 5% permethrin cream, which is the most common treatment for scabies.
- Oral tablets, such as ivermectin tablets, are used in severe cases or if topical treatments do not respond to them.
- Steroid creams are used to relieve itching, and are prescribed for crusted scabies.
- Antihistamines are used to reduce inflammation and itching.
How to Treat Allergies
First, it's recommended to avoid allergy triggers and irritants. Medications prescribed by your doctor to treat allergies include:
- Antihistamines to reduce sneezing, itching, and a runny nose.
- Decongestants to treat nasal congestion. Your doctor may prescribe combination medications with antihistamines.
- Nasal sprays containing corticosteroids to treat persistent allergy symptoms.
- Eye drops to help relieve eye irritation.
Home Remedies for Skin Allergies
- Avoid prolonged hot baths, as they can irritate and dry out the skin of people with allergies.
- Use fragrance-free products.
- It's important to use moisturizers.
- Use baking soda with water to make a paste and apply it to the itchy area to soothe the skin.
- Apply aloe vera gel to the rash to reduce inflammation and redness.
- Rinse your nose with saline.
Herbal Teas to Soothe Allergies
Several natural teas can be used to relieve allergies thanks to their antihistamine properties:
- Licorice tea, which contains compounds that help relieve allergy symptoms.
- Green tea, which is rich in antioxidants.
- Peppermint has soothing and anti-allergy properties.
- Ginger tea, which contains antihistamine properties.
Summary of the Difference Between Scabies and Allergies
Scabies is a contagious, itchy skin disease caused by a tiny mite that burrows into the skin, leaving lines and ridges.
Allergies, on the other hand, are an immune response to allergens and allergens, such as dust or certain foods, and cause rashes and redness.
Summary: The main difference is that scabies is contagious and caused by a parasite, while allergies are an immune response and not contagious.