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Scabies Treatment

Scabies is a common itchy skin condition caused by a microscopic mite known as Sarcoptes scabei. No matter what you call it, the resulting rash, pimple-like irritations, and intense itching can leave you miserable.

This is a common skin ailment found all around the world. It spreads rapidly and affects people of all social classes, not just those who live in squalid conditions. Prolonged skin-to-skin contact, sharing towels, clothes, and bedding, and other contact with other infected people are common transmission methods.

When you have been diagnosed with scabies, you should be treated as well as any family members who have close contact with you. If the entire household is being treated for scabies, everyone should undergo treatment simultaneously to prevent reinfestation. Likewise, if you are in an institution such as a nursing home or if your children are in daycare, it's important that everyone else is treated as well. Otherwise, the mites will be back.

When you have scabies, you are contagious and you can spread it to others until you have killed all of the mites and their eggs. Let others who have close contact with you know of your condition so that they can be alert to the symptoms and undergo scabies treatment.

The FDA has approved several medications for the treatment of scabies including prescription creams and lotions as well as over the counter cream rinses. Use only as directed and read all warnings. Many of these medications are not suitable for babies, children, or pregnant or nursing women. Your doctor or pharmacist can direct you to the products that are safe for you and your family members.

Many scabies creams must be applied from head to toe and left on overnight. For example, a commonly prescribed cream called Elimite must be left on for 10-14 hours before you wash it off in the shower. One week later, the process is repeated.

In addition to prescribed medications to kill the mites, you will also want to treat the itching and rash. Over the counter and prescription antihistamines and anti-itch creams are often used to relieve the itch.

A third part of the scabies treatment plan comes into play if your rash becomes infected. This doesn't always happen, so you may or may not receive a prescription for antibiotics.

Not only will each individual need to be treated, so must the environment. This includes clothes, towels, and bedding. Wash all clothing, bedding, and towels in hot water and dry in a hot dryer. Finish off the mite-killing laundry routine by ironing the items. After killing the mites in the laundry, you should also thoroughly vacuum the rugs and furniture. After vacuuming, throw the vacuum cleaner bag away in the outside trash.

Scabies isn't life threatening so it doesn't necessarily warrant a call to your doctor in the middle of the night. Call your doctor's office and schedule an appointment making sure to let them know you think you or your child might have a scabies infestation.

After the Treatment

Treating scabies is a slow process. It takes a series of treatments in order to stop the life cycle of the mite and prevent the eggs from hatching. The itching doesn't go away overnight and can continue for up to four weeks. After your initial doctor's appointment, a follow up visit one to two weeks later is usually scheduled.

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