SCABIES

How did I get Scabies?

Scabies is acquired from other people, usually skin-to-skin contact. You can, however, get it from sleeping in the same bed as an infected person or using the same towels, etc.

How is Scabies Treated?

The most common treatment is a topical cream called elimite. In adults, it is applied with your bare hands from the neck down and left on overnight. Don't wash your hands after. In children under 2 years of age, the head and neck should be included as well. Every part of the body must be covered including under the nails, between the fingers, the penis or pubic area, the entire back, etc. If one person in the household misses one spot, it can all come back. Usually the treatment is repeated in 7 days.

Ivermectin is a pill that treats scabies. It is taken once and repeated in 7-14 days. Many times, the two treatments are combined.

Key Points for Successful Treatment of Scabies

• Follow all the instructions carefully.
• Treat all close contacts and household members.
• Treat everyone at the same time.
• Wash clothing, bed linens and towels using hot water and dry using the hot cycle the day after treatment.
• Items that cannot be washed may be placed in a sealed plastic bag for at least 3 days.
• Vacuum furniture, carpets, car seats and strollers.
• Fumigation is not necessary.
• Pets do not need to be treated.

Other Key Points

• Remember even after successful treatment, you will still itch for several weeks, although every week, the itch should diminish. By one month, you should be back to normal.
• Your doctor may give you a topical steroid for itch control during this time.