Scabies

Alternative names:

Sarcoptes scabiei

Treatment:

The objective of treatment is to eliminate the infestation. There is no known home remedy. Prescription creams and lotions are applied all over the body. It may be necessary to treat the whole family or sexual partners of infected individuals, even if no symptoms are present.

• Kwell lotion
• Elimite
• Change and launder all bedding and clothing.

Itching (pruritus) may persist after treatment begins, but will disappear if treatment continues exactly as your health care provider prescribes. Itching can be minimized by cool soaks and calamine lotions. Acetaminophen will provide comfort.

Expectations (prognosis):

Scabies are annoying but not a serious disease.

Complications:

A secondary skin infection can occur because of intense scratching.

Calling your health care provider:

Call your health care provider if you have symptoms of scabies, or if someone with whom you have close contact (not necessarily sexual contact) has been diagnosed with scabies, or if improvement is not seen 72 hours after starting treatment recommended by your health care provider.