About this topic
Scabies is a skin problem that spreads easily. It is caused by a tiny bug called a mite. The mite burrows in the skin. Scabies is spread by skin-to-skin contact with someone who has this infection. It is also spread by sharing clothes, towels, or bedding with an infected person. ‚
Sometimes, people have a very bad case of scabies. This happens most often if you have a weak immune system. Then, your skin may have a crusty rash and look thick and scaly. This is called crusted scabies or Norwegian scabies. ‚
Scabies can be treated with special lotions or creams that will kill the mites. ‚
What care is needed at home?
- Ask your doctor what you need to do when you go home. Make sure you ask questions if you do not understand what the doctor says. This way you will know what you need to do.
- Take care of yourself.
- Apply creams and lotions as ordered by your doctor.
- Use a soft brush to apply creams and lotion on your nails.
- Cut your nails and clean them well to get rid of any mites or eggs.
- Avoid scratching your skin. Take a cool bath to help with itching.
- Keep any open wound clean and dry.
- Protect others and prevent reinfection.
- Use hot water to wash all clothing, towels, and bed linens.
- Dry clean items that cannot be washed. You can also seal them in plastic bags for 3 days to kill the mites.
- Vacuum your rugs, furniture, bedding, and car interior. Throw the vacuum cleaner bag away when done.
- Treat other family members for scabies.
- Avoid sex until your infection is treated.
- Avoid close contact with other people until your infection is treated.
What follow-up care is needed?
Your doctor may ask you to make visits to the office to check on your progress. Be sure to keep these visits. ‚
What drugs may be needed?
The doctor may order drugs to: ‚
- Treat the infection
- Help with itching
Be sure to tell the doctor if you think you or your sexual partner may be pregnant or are breastfeeding. Be sure to tell your doctor if children in the home have been exposed to scabies. Your doctor will suggest drugs to use for each case. ‚
Will physical activity be limited?
You should stay home from work or school until after your first treatment is finished. ‚
What problems could happen?
- Bacterial infection of the skin
- Crusted scabies
- Infection does not go away, or it goes away and then comes back again
What can be done to prevent this health problem?
- Avoid close contact with people who are infected by scabies.
- Avoid sharing or using things like beds, linens, or towels that come in contact with a person with scabies.
- Seal stuffed toys or items that cannot be washed in a plastic bag for at least 3 days. This will kill the mites and help keep you from getting the infection again.
When do I need to call the doctor?
- Signs of infection. These include a fever of 100.4 ‚ °F (38 ‚ °C) or higher, chills, or wound that will not heal.
- Redness, tenderness, and swelling on your skin
- Very bad itching that is not helped after taking drugs
- Itching that does not go away after 4 weeks
Teach Back: Helping You Understand
The Teach Back Method helps you understand the information we are giving you. The idea is simple. After talking with the staff, tell them in your own words what you were just told. This helps to make sure the staff has covered each thing clearly. It also helps to explain things that may have been a bit confusing. Before going home, make sure you are able to do these: ‚
- I can tell you about my condition.
- I can tell you what I can do to help avoid passing the infection to others.
- I can tell you what I will do if I have swelling, redness, or tenderness on my skin.
Where can I learn more?
American Academy of Dermatology ‚
http://www.aad.org/dermatology-a-to-z/diseases-and-treatments/q---t/scabies ‚
Centers for Disease Control and Prevention ‚
http://www.cdc.gov/parasites/scabies/gen_info/faqs.html ‚
KidsHealth ‚
http://kidshealth.org/parent/infections/skin/scabies.html# ‚
NHS Choices ‚
http://www.nhs.uk/conditions/scabies/pages/introduction.aspx ‚
Consumer Information Use and Disclaimer
This information is not specific medical advice and does not replace information you receive from your health care provider. This is only a brief summary of general information. It does NOT include all information about conditions, illnesses, injuries, tests, procedures, treatments, therapies, discharge instructions or life-style choices that may apply to you. You must talk with your health care provider for complete information about your health and treatment options. This information should not be used to decide whether or not to accept your health care providers advice, instructions or recommendations. Only your health care provider has the knowledge and training to provide advice that is right for you. ‚
Copyright
Copyright ‚ © 2015 Clinical Drug Information, LLC and Lexi-Comp, Inc. ‚