New burrows after scabies treatment

The frustrating phenomenon of new burrows after scabies treatment!

New burrows or re-emergence of scabies symptoms after treatment is not uncommon. There are several reasons why this might happen:

  1. Inadequate treatment: Scabies mites can develop resistance to certain treatments, or the treatment may not have been applied correctly or for the full recommended duration.
  2. Incomplete elimination of mites: It's possible that not all mites were killed during the initial treatment, allowing them to survive and continue causing symptoms.
  3. Re-infestation: Scabies mites can be transmitted from an infected person to a previously treated individual, especially in close contact settings like families or households.
  4. Delayed onset of symptoms: Scabies symptoms can take up to 4-6 weeks to develop after initial infection, so it's possible that new burrows are a delayed response to the initial infestation.
  5. Other skin conditions: Skin conditions like eczema, dermatitis, or psoriasis can mimic scabies symptoms, leading to a misdiagnosis or delayed diagnosis.

If you've experienced new burrows after scabies treatment, it's essential to consult with your healthcare provider to determine the best course of action. They may recommend:

  1. Repeat treatment: A second treatment with a different medication or a combination of treatments may be necessary to ensure complete elimination of the mites.
  2. Additional treatments: Your healthcare provider may recommend additional treatments, such as topical creams or oral medications, to help manage symptoms and prevent re-infestation.
  3. Environmental measures: Washing and drying bedding, clothing, and towels in hot water and drying them on a hot setting can help reduce the risk of re-infestation.
  4. Contact tracing: If you've been in close contact with someone who has scabies, your healthcare provider may recommend contact tracing to identify and treat any potential re-infestations.

Remember, it's crucial to work closely with your healthcare provider to determine the best treatment plan for your specific situation.