How to Treat Scabies

Scabies is caused by tiny mites that burrow under your skin to lay their eggs, which then hatch in about two weeks. The most common symptom is itching, and your skin may become reddened, dry and scaly. Scabies is very contagious.

Difficulty: Moderate

Instructions

Things You'll Need:

• Laundry Detergents
• Garbage Bags
• Garbage bags

1. Treat the body with an insecticide lotion. They are available over the counter or by prescription. Cover the entire body with lotion, from neck to toes. Leave it on for several hours before showering.

2. Use a product that contains 5 percent permethrin.

3. Treat all members of your household. Chances are, they've been infected.

4. Launder all clothing worn before treatment in hot water. Dry it in a hot dryer.

5. Wash all linens and towels used before treatment in hot water. Dry them in a hot dryer. Dry-clean items that cannot be machine washed.

6. Put non-machine-washable quilts and blankets inside a large trash bag and seal it tightly. Leave it sealed for two weeks. The scabies mites will die without a human host.

7. Freeze items for 24 hours. This will also kill scabies.

8. Wash all toys that were handled during the time your child was infected.

Tips & Warnings

• Scabies is spread from intimate contact, even though it is not considered an STD. If you have scabies and are sexually active, alert your partner so that he or she can be treated.
• Scabies is often spread by sharing the same bed, towels and clothing.
• Itching may continue for several weeks after treatment. In most cases, it stops soon after treatment begins. Four hours after treatment, a person is no longer infectious.
• Avoid lotions containing lindane. These include products named GBH, Gamene and Kwell. Check with your pharmacist to make sure your prescription is not for a lindane-based product. The National Pediculosis Association strongly advises against using lindane, which has been associated with a number of serious medical conditions, including cancer and seizures.

Who Can Help:

• Overweight? Lose 30+ lbs without pills or diets- guaranteed
• Arthroscopic Alternative to Spine Surgery- For Back & Neck - Free MRI Review by our Doctors. Get your life back!
• Do you suffer from back pain? Learn more about our Medicare approved back support system. Medicare covers 85% of the cost.

[vinvt]

on 5/18/2009 "on 11/22/2005 The scabies mite that infects dogs isn't the same one that infects people so you can't get scabies from the dog." Untrue. I got scabies from my dog. She had been sick for months and no Vet had diagnosed Mange. I began researching a skin condition I had recently contracted and discovered it was scabies. My dog essentially told me what was wrong with her. The Vet confirmed it this morning. Going to the doctor today. It won't last as long as the human version but I have it nevertheless. Not that I'm happy to get it, but I sure am happy my poor pooch will recover now that it's been discovered.

[meena252003]

on 3/22/2009 The treatment you described is exactly what my daughter's doctor prescribed but he didn't tell what to do with the clothes and toys. So for that thank you so much!!!!

[meena252003]

on 3/22/2009 The treatment you described is exactly what my daughter's doctor prescribed but he didn't tell what to do with the clothes and toys. So for that thank you so much!!!!

[skindeep]

on 2/7/2009 I work in dermatology and scabies needs to be treated by a medical professional. Your instructions are great for delousing the home, however, scabies is much more serious than lice.

on 11/22/2005 The scabies mite that infects dogs isn't the same one that infects people so you can't get scabies from the dog. Occasionally people can have an allergic reaction to dog mites.