Human scabies is a common condition caused by an infestation by a human itch mite. Animals do not spread human scabies. In adults, scabies is usually sexually acquired. Scabicides are products used to treat scabies. Some scabicides kill mites and others kill the eggs, too. Scabicides are only available by prescription.

Scabicides

Scabicide treatments are recommended for those having sexual contact or direct skin-to-skin contact with the infected person in the month preceding the infestation, and household members of the infected person. Treatment should be at the same time to prevent reinfestation.

Scabicide Application

Scabicides should be applied to the body from the neck down to the toes. In addition, small children should have the treatment applied to their head since scabies can affect their face and scalp.

Additional Treaments

Treatment also includes the bedding, clothing and towels used by the household of the person infested with scabies. This includes anything used during the three days prior to treatment.

Treatment Ideas

Ways to treat the bedding, clothing and towels can be washing and drying at hot temperatures, dry cleaning, or sealing the items in a plastic bag for a minimum of 72 hours. Scabies do not usually survive more than three days away from human skin.

Considerations

Symptoms are not usually present for the first two to six weeks after the first time a person gets scabies. It is still possible to spread scabies during that period.

Source:

CDC: Scabies