What can be mistaken for scabies? – 7 Conditions

Scabies is a skin condition caused by a mite known as Sarcoptes scabies. The rashes can have other disease conditions, which can be mistaken for scabies, also called psoriasis, eczema, or contact dermatitis. It looks like a pimple on the skin or small blisters, which are very common in all disease conditions. But What can be mistaken for scabies?

There is no doubt many experts misdiagnose the disease condition sometimes; a fair idea of the condition is essential for the proper treatment. In this blog, I will discuss what can be mistaken for scabies. 

What can be mistaken for scabies?

#1 Papular Urticaria – 

This condition can be mistaken for scabies, as it occurs by insect biting. I have listed some symptoms related to papular dermatitis. 

The bumps are mainly present in the legs, forearms, and face. 

Treatment

• Topical steroid cream
• Steroids
• Antihistamines
• Antiseptic cream

#2 Psoriasis

Many conditions are similar to scabies. Psoriasis is an autoimmune skin disorder. It means the cells fasten their growth of new cells that bind to the tissue. As a result, it makes scaly patches on the skin.

A study revealed that 80-90% who suffer from psoriasis could end up with plaque. 

You must be thinking of symptoms that can be mistaken for scabies.” I have listed some signs and symptoms that you should know. 

• Thick patches are primarily found in the elbow, knees, lower back, face, and palms
• Silvery scales
• Plaques

Psoriasis can sometimes appear like scabies because of the crust formation. Many symptoms are almost similar to scabies. For people with a fair complexion, psoriasis occur in light pink or red. However, on browner skin, The color changes to salmon or like the scales of silvery white fish. 

If we come to a darker complexion, the color changes to violet, and the scales appear grey. 

How can psoriasis be treated?

There are a variety of alternatives to treat psoriasis. I have mentioned all of these in the categories. Topical treatment is the first recommendation for every doctor. A study showed that topical ointments are effective in treating mild psoriasis. 

Emollients help to remove the itchiness and irritation on the skin. Therefore, it is best to use it on psoriasis. It will relieve your discomfort. 

Coal tar helps to reduce the itchiness and swelling that occur due to psoriasis. It also slows down the growing skin cells. 

Corticosteroids help relieve skin conditions. It works immediately when directly applied to the skin as it helps reduce the inflammation of the skin.  

Salicyclic acid help to soften the scales and alleviate the swelling. You can prescribe this ointment if you are looking for effective psoriasis treatment. 

Retinoids are another type of retinoids of Vitamin A. It contains tazarotene, which helps treat psoriasis. 

#3 Folliculitis – 

The skin infection develops in the hair follicles. However, it is what do scabies bites look like?

It occurs due to damaged follicles and bacteria called Staph aureus. 

Treatment

It could be quickly cured by following 2 months and applying a warm compress. It will also be managed by an oral antibiotic. 

#4 Atopic Dermatitis –

Atopic dermatitis or eczema is what can be mistaken for scabies. This is due to the appearance of similar symptoms in the body. I will explain in detail the things that occur in the body. 

Atopic dermatitis is an inflammatory response and is not contagious. Many studies reported that acute dermatitis is most common in children. 

I will explain the details of the sign and symptoms of acute dermatitis that seems to be scabies.  

Treatment  – 

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The treatment of atopic dermatitis may vary from doctor to doctor. I have come with proper treatment so that you should not miss it. 

A few studies suggested that NB-UVB phototherapy showed tremendous benefits in treating acute dermatitis. 

Medications that you should consider while having acute dermatitis. 

Dermatologists may also recommend the following:

•  Avoid scratching
• Apply moisturizer
• It uses fragrance-free soaps
• Apply ointments and avoid which are not dermatologist-tested moisturizers. 

#5 Contact Dermatitis – 

Contact dermatitis causes irritation or allergic reaction. Detergents, solvents, and acids mainly cause contact dermatitis. It could also show a severe condition and what do scabies bites look like?

When a substance causes an allergy is called allergic contact dermatitis. I have listed down some symptoms that help diagnose contact dermatitis.

• Itchiness
• Rash
• Swelling
• Tender skin
• Dry skin
• Fluid-filled blisters
• Oxxing of blisters
• Crust
• Scales 

Treatment –

I have listed some first-line treatments that are necessary to treat contact dermatitis. 

• Corticosteroids 
• Prednisone
• Antihistamines

#6 Dermatitis Herpetiformis –

This rare condition causes a severe itchy disease that causes blisters and lesions. It appears commonly on the head, lower back, buttocks, and elbows. 

It occurs mainly with celiac disease.

#7 Prurigo nodularis –

In this condition, an itchy and firm bump will occur. That is what can be mistaken for scabies. 

The symptoms of prurigo nodularis are mainly due to lower arms and legs.

What does scabies rash look like?

Scabies occurs like a rash or blisters causing scales and lesions on the armpits, buttocks, and along the penile shaft. 

The itchiness typically stays between 1 to 4 days, but it can take 2-6 weeks. 

Some people affected with different types of scabies know and crusted scabies.

When to visit a doctor?

You should not delay the treatment if you are severely affected by an allergic reaction. Suppose your condition gets worse after the treatment. It would help if you did not wait for it. At least have a word with your doctor. People may experience worse conditions. Some were hospitalized for a few days to get proper treatment. 

FAQs – 

Summary –

I have explained most of the conditions which can be mistaken for scabies. All these things are to be considered for proper treatment. Never diagnose a skin condition by yourself. Visit the doctor as soon as possible. Rash and itchiness are seen in all the disease conditions. But differentiation could be understood by clinical inspection. 

There is a variety of treatments related to scabies. Suppose you need more clarification about your treatment. Are you in a dilemma about which doctor is best for you?

You can contact the Credihealth team, who will assist you in providing the appropriate advice and care to you or loved ones.