SCABIES TREATMENT

Scabies is due to an infestation of the surface layers of the skin by a mite. It is not serious and is easily cured provided treatment is carried out properly. The first and essential step is to kill all the mites in the skin by applying an anti-scabies lotion or cream. This should be done as follows:

• take an ordinary tepid bath; wash, but do not scrub, the skin
• after drying the skin apply the lotion or cream provided, rubbing it in gently to all parts of the body below the chin; it is not enough to apply it merely to the affected areas, literally all the skin below the chin must be treated; remember to apply between the fingers and under the nails and in all body folds; always re-apply after washing your hands
• twelve hours later take a bath and do not scrub your skin; after the bath change your underclothes, nightclothes, sheets and pillowcases; it is not necessary to treat your bedding or clothing any further than this

If these directions have been followed, all mites in the skin will certainly have been killed but the itching may not subside at once. Do not use the special lotion or cream again without medical advice, as only very occasionally will it be necessary to do so, and repeated application may itself irritate the skin (particularly if there has been any previous eczema).

Any persistent itching should then be treated with soothing applications under your doctor's supervision, and by temporary limitation of the use of soap and water.

Prevention of re-infestation

The mites are most readily transmitted from one person to another by fairly prolonged contact in a warm atmosphere, e.g. sharing a bed, adults fondling or attending to children, children playing with each other, or young people holding hands, etc. An individual who has never had scabies before may not develop itching or a rash until one month, or even three months, after becoming infested. For this reason it is important for all members of the household and any other close social contacts of a patient found to have scabies to receive appropriate treatment at the same time as the patient, even if they have not yet developed itching or a rash. Otherwise the mites may be passed back and forth within the social circle indefinitely.