Scabies is a skin infection caused by a tiny eight-legged mite. The mite burrows under the skin and causes red bumps and intense itching---especially at night---due to an allergy from the toxins released by the female when laying eggs. The condition passes from person to person through direct contact and causes more than 300 million cases of scabies worldwide each year, according to the American Academy of Dermatology. Getting rid of a scabies infection includes measures such as anti-parasitic lotions or creams, and treating all close family and friends. Without treatment, the infection can recur or spread to others.
Step 1
Visit a dermatologist to determine the proper treatment for the condition. Everyone is a potential host for scabies and an infestation does not indicate poor hygiene or sanitary conditions.
Step 2
Ask for a prescription for a medication that kills the scabies. Common medications include permethrin and lindane. Apply the lotion as directed by the physician or the pharmacist. Most products require bathing at night before bed and applying the medication to the entire body from the neck down. Individuals need to wash the product off the next morning.
Step 3
Apply the medication on all family members because mites spread easily and some individuals may carry mites with no symptoms, according to the University of Maryland Medical Center.
Step 4
Apply a nonchemical product called crotamiton each day for two to five days on infants, as it may be a safe alternative to permethrin and lindane, according to MayoClinic.com. Avoid chemical products on babies with scabies.
Step 5
Take an oral antihistamine or use a corticosteroid cream to help control the itching associated with the condition, according to the Merck Manuals. The itching may continue for several weeks following successful treatment of the scabies. Intensive scratching can damage the skin and increases the risk of developing a bacterial infection in the skin.
Step 6
Remove all bedding, clothing, towels and linens used by the person with scabies. Wash all items in hot water and dry on high heat to help kill the mites. The mites do not live longer than two or three days without a human host, so vacuum carpets, furniture and other items that cannot get wet and avoid the area for at least 72 hours, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.
Things You'll Need
- Scabies medication
- Washing machine and dryer
