Craw craw is another name for scabies. The Nigerian coined ailments mainly affect children and infants. Every parent dreads watching their child develop the famed craw craw skin diseases, which, according to native belief, may be caused by dirtiness, unkemptness, or negligence. No matter what one may think, no parent wants their baby to have craw craw or to experience any infant illness.

So, what precisely is craw craw, how is it treated, and how can parents protect their kids from contracting such a severe infection? In this article, we'll address all of these queries and more.

What is craw craw?

The West African word for scabies is "craw-craw." Skin illnesses known as scabies are brought on by the Sarcoptes scabies mite, which reproduces and lays eggs beneath the skin's surface. These mites typically eat through the skin, causing rashes or other skin eruptions. 

The person infected with these rashes will always experience intense itching and discomfort. In most cases, craw craw affects children the most. However, adults can also contract this condition.

How can a baby get Craw-craw?

Scabies or craw-craw is typically contracted by contact, whether sexual or otherwise. Scabies mites are spread through skin-to-skin contact with an infected person or through prolonged contact with the clothing, bedding, or towels of an infected person. It is most prevalent in tropical and crowded areas.

What are the symptoms of Craw-craw or scabies?

It's possible to have scabies for a few weeks before experiencing the first signs of the condition. These symptoms could manifest as a lump, rash, or tiny spots.

Over several weeks or months, these rashes might gradually cover the entire body. There are other apparent symptoms besides rashes that can help you diagnose scabies infections.

Your toddler or newborn may be experiencing severe itching, which could keep them up at night and cause cries or unpleasant noises.

Additionally, there might be rashes that appear and become infected due to scratching, as well as a subsequent rash that appears differently from the initial inflammation.

Unfortunately, the mites which cause scabies can't be seen, and they are only seen microscopically. Hence,  it's pretty hard to diagnose a scabies infection as a parent straightaway by seeing the insect. You'd need to study the symptoms and visit a doctor who can diagnose if it's a scabies infection or something else.

How can scabies or craw craw be prevented?

Because scabies is often spread by contact with an infected individual, it would be essential to disinfect and clean things that can be infested.

• 1. Wash your bed linens, towels, and sheets.

• 2. Ensure that people who come in contact with the baby or child are free from scabies.

How can one treat craw craw or scabies?

To treat scabies, you should meet your doctor or pediatrician to prescribe topical ointments for easy application on the skin. 

Certain healthcare providers would prescribe permethrin which is a cream used to treat scabies, or an antihistamine to relieve your baby of the itching.

There are further natural treatments that may be used that lessen the effects of scabies or craw craw on the body before taking medication. 

Neem oil, aloe vera, and tea tree oil are a few examples.

Tea tree oil helps itch and treats your baby's skin rash. Remember, though, that it's less successful in eliminating scabies eggs deep beneath the skin. For this reason, a doctor's prescription is required if you want to remove the mites permanently.

The neem plant reduces pain and swelling. Additionally, it possesses antimicrobial qualities. In addition to being available as an oil, neem can also be found in lotions and soaps.

Likewise, aloe vera gel works well against scabies when taken as prescribed medication.

While all these home remedies are safe for kids, you should see a doctor if you suspect a skin problem.

After one treatment, the scabies-causing mites are eradicated. Unless the infection persists or reappears, the therapy need not be repeated. Even if the mites have been eliminated, the itching may not stop for two to four weeks. If everything is done correctly, the skin should begin to recover four weeks after therapy.

Additionally, scabies doesn't go away by itself. If you don't treat it, you'll probably keep infecting people with the illness. The continual scratching that results from the itching will also likely result in a skin infection from germs.

Please leave a remark below if, as a mother, your child has ever experienced the well-known Craw-craw and how you handled it. More mothers here might benefit from it. 

In conclusion, you should always seek advice from a doctor or other healthcare expert before taking action.

Remember that babymigo cares!