Scabies is a contagious infestation of mites that causes intense itching and a red, pimple-like rash, according to the American Medical Association. Scabies spreads through close skin-to-skin contact or exposure to infested pets, furniture or clothing. Symptoms generally appear three to four weeks after contact, but the infested person can spread scabies before the itching and rash appear. Treatment requires killing the mites with prescription medication called scabicides, treating everyone in close contact with the infested person and preventing the mites from returning.
Step 1
Visit your health care provider for a prescription. If she confirms that you have scabies, she will prescribe a scabicide--a medication that kills scabies mites--in cream or lotion form. Every member of your household with whom you have had close contact needs to be treated as well to prevent re-infestation, according to the American Medical Association.
Step 2
Bathe before applying the medication. The drug is most effective when applied to clean skin.
Step 3
Read the instructions for the medication carefully. If you are treating a child, check the lower age limit on the medication. Permethrin 5 percent cream is commonly prescribed for people over the age of 2 months, notes the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, but crotamiton 10 percent cream or lotion is only approved for adult use.
Step 4
Apply the lotion or cream to the entire body of an adult, starting at the neck and continuing down to the toes, and leave it on for the recommended time, notes the CDC. For infants and young children, also apply the medication to the entire head and neck, as scabies can infest those areas as well.
Step 5
Wash the medication off after the recommended time has passed and dress in clean clothes.
Step 6
Launder clothing, bedding and towels that had used by anyone in the household for the preceding three days, recommends the CDC. Use the washing machine's hot water setting and high heat on the dryer. Iron the laundered items afterward to kill any remaining mites. Items that cannot be laundered should be dry cleaned or placed in a sealed plastic bag for 72 hours.
Step 7
Spray furniture with gamma benzene hexachloride to kill mites and eggs, recommends the AMA. Avoid spraying this product on your skin.
Step 8
Examine your skin periodically. Itching may continue for several weeks after successful treatment because it is caused by an allergic reaction to the mites and their feces, according to the AMA. If you have infected sores from scratching, you may need a prescription for antibiotics.
Step 9
Contact your health care provider if you notice new burrows or a pimple-like rash, or if you are still itching two to four weeks after treatment, advises the CDC. You and your household may need to reapply the cream or lotion to the skin, or your health care provider may prescribe a different medication.
Tips and Warnings
- The CDC does not recommend using fumigants or insecticide sprays for scabies infestations. Control itching with cool, wet compresses, over-the-counter antihistamines or lotions such as calamine, according to the CDC. Read the instructions on medications carefully and follow the label instructions exactly.
- There are no home remedies for scabies, according to the AMA. See a health care provider for treatment.
Things You'll Need
- Medication, prescribed
- Laundry facilities with hot water and a hot dryer
- Iron and ironing board
- Gamma benzene hexachloride spray
References
- "Handbook of First Aid and Emergency Care;" American Medical Association; 2009
- University of Maryland Medical Center: Scabies--Treatment
- Centers for Disease Control and Prevention: Treatment--Scabies
