Quick Treatment for Scabies

Overview

An eight-legged mite called "Sarcoptes scabiei" burrows into human flesh causing an intense itchy sensation. The skin condition, called scabies, also causes a pimple-like rash. The microscopic mite continues to live and lay eggs under the skin. According to the Centers for Disease Control, the mites may live in the body for weeks before symptoms appear. The mites transfer easily from person to person by direct contact, even with no symptoms present. The itching associated with the infestation is caused an allergic reaction to the mite waste and eggs. With proper care and treatment, eliminating the mites is possible.

Step 1

Visit a physician to obtain a prescription for permethrin (brand name Elimite or Acticin) and crotamiton (brand name Eurax), prescription mite killer creams for a scabies infestation. There are no over-the-counter products available for treating scabies.

Step 2

Apply mite killer lotion to your entire body, below the neck. Include your feet and toes in the application. For children, also apply to their heads and faces.

Step 3

Dress in clean clothing and leave the product on overnight.

Step 4

Wash the mite killer off the next morning.

Step 5

Repeat the mite killer nightly for at least seven days.

Step 6

Remove all bedding, towels and clothing used by the infected person. Wash the linens in hot water and dry in a hot dryer to decontaminate them. Place any items that you can't wash in a sealed plastic bag for at least 72 hours to kill the mites and prevent re-infestation.

Step 7

Avoid prolonged close contact with other people, especially sexual contact for at least a month following an infestation. This helps ensure that the mites will not transfer to another person and a re-infestation is less likely to occur.

Step 8

Soothe itching from the scabies by placing cool, wet washcloths on the skin or soak in a cool bath. Take an over-the-counter antihistamine for itch relief or use itch-relieving lotions, such as calamine lotion.