My daughter has been suffering from recurrent scabies since she was two years of age. She is now three-years-old and still gets this skin condition occasionally. What is scabies, how does it occur and how can we get rid of it?
- Sameer Afroze
Scabies is a contagious infestation, caused by a mite that affects the humans through close body contact. The incubation period i.e. the period between contact with mite and occurrence of symptoms is 4 weeks. The initial symptom is generalized itch, which is worse at night. Classical rash has distinctive distribution involving inter-digital webs on elbows, axilla, central abdomen genitalia and buttocks. There is usually a history of more than one family member having the itch. With proper treatment, the patient is mite free within 24 hours and symptom free within 7-10 days, but it is always advised to treat other family members (which are in incubation period), to prevent the recurrence of the disease.
In case of your daughter, it is less likely that she is having scabies since one year without involving other family members. So please consult your dermatologist to review the diagnosis.
Both my boy and girl have thin hair since birth. They are seven and three years of age respectively and take a good diet. Is there any way I can get their hair to be thick and healthy?
- Saima Khan.
Both of your children may have, Hair Shaft Defect. Such defects are structural abnormalities that cause hair to be fragile, thin and easily breakable. These defects can be easily recognized by microscopic examination of hair shafts. Such patients are advised to use mild shampoos; light oiling and regular trimming of hair.
I got stretch marks on my lower abdomen after delivery. I have tried many creams but they still wouldn't go. How can I get rid of them?
- Alia Inam, Peshawar
Stretch marks over abdomen are usually permanent but they fade, become thin and white with the passage of time. Creams are not effective but microdermabrasion, which is a mechanical method for skin smoothing may be of some help. This method requires weekly sittings for 10 or more weeks and you can expect up to 50% improvement after completion of the therapy.
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My skin remains dry in winter as well as in summer. I have used off-the-counter lotions but they only give timely relief. I drink a lot of water too but my skin is still dry. It itches a lot too. How can I get smooth skin sans dryness and itch?
- Flustered
Most probably, you are having “Atopic Dermatitis” which is a type of eczema, characterized by dry and itchy skin due to decreased ability to bind and retain water in the skin and increased reactivity to allergens. Approximately 70% of patients have a family history of Eczema, Asthma or Allergic Rhinitis.
You are advised to avoid provoking factors like scrubbing and too frequent washing without appropriate skin lubrication. Use mild moisturizing unscented soaps for bathing and then apply emollients (eg white petroleum jelly, urea containing products) within 3 minutes of bathing on wet skin to prevent evaporation.
You are also advised to wear cotton clothing to prevent irritation and excessive perspiration and avoid direct contact with woolen and synthetic fabrics.
