Infant Scabies Treatment

Overview

Scabies is a itchy skin condition that is the result of an infestation from the mite Sarcoptes scabiei. These mites burrow into the skin where they can cause intense itching and irritation, especially at night. Scabies can spread very easily throughout a household or daycare center. Infants are particularly susceptible to scabies because their immune system is still developing. Scabies can be diagnosed by the skin lesions they produce or by identification of their feces or eggs.

Step 1

Apply sulfur ointment to affected areas. This ointment (which is available over the counter) should be rubbed into the infant's skin everywhere from the neck down, including in skin folds such as the navel and the crease of the buttocks, as well as underneath the nails on the toes and fingers. It should be applied nightly for three nights in a row.

Step 2

Apply sulfur ointment on everyone else in the household. Scabies can easily spread from one individual to the other. Treatment of other household members (even asymptomatic ones) can prevent reinfection of the infant.

Step 3

Clean all clothing, towels, and bedding from the previous seventy-two hours, washing them in hot water and then using a hot dryer to dry them. Scabies cannot live for more than three days without a host, so this will remove any of the mites living in the fabric.

Step 4

Vacuum all upholstery, rugs, and carpet. Throw away the vacuum bags when you are done.

Step 5

Give the infant Ivermectin pills. This medication (available with a prescription) should be given once when the symptoms start and again one to two weeks later.

Step 6

Use antihistamines to treat the condition. This over-the-counter medication should be administered according to the directions on the packaging and will help relieve the symptoms of scabies.