Scabies

Scabies is an infestation of the skin by the human itch mite (Sarcoptes scabiei var. hominis). The microscopic scabies mite burrow into the upper layer of the skin where it lives and lays its egg. Scabies can spread rapidly under crowded conditions where close body and skin contact is frequent.

Treatment

Treatment is recommended for the infested person as well as all household members and sexual contacts, particularly those who have had prolonged direct skin-to-skin contact with the infested person within the preceding month. All people should be treated at the same time to prevent reinfestation.

Products used to treat scabies are called scabicides and are available only with a doctor's prescription.

When treating adults and older children, scabicide lotion or cream should be applied to all areas of the body from the neck down to the feet and toes. When treating infants and young children, scabicide lotion or cream should also be applied to their entire head and neck. The lotion or cream should be applied to a clean body and left on for the recommended time before washing it off.

No "over-the-counter" (non-prescription) products have been tested and approved to treat scabies. Never use a scabicide intended for veterinary or agricultural use to treat humans.

Itching may continue for several weeks after treatment even if all the mites and eggs are killed. If itching is still present more than two to four weeks after treatment or if new burrows or pimple-like rash lesions continue to appear, retreatment may be necessary.

Skin sores that become infected should be treated with an appropriate antibiotic prescribed by a doctor.

Prevention

An adult female mite can live up to a month on a person but will not survive for more than 48 to 72 hours away from the body. Fumigation of living areas is unnecessary. To prevent re-infestation and to prevent the mites from spreading to other people, take these steps:

Clean all clothes and linen. Use hot, soapy water to wash all clothing, towels and bedding used at least two days before treatment. Dry with high heat. Dry clean items you can't wash at home.

Starve the mites. Consider placing items you can't wash in a sealed plastic bag and leaving it in an out of-the-way place, such as in your garage, for a couple of weeks. Mites die if they don't eat for a week.