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If mites called Sarcoptes scabiei get under your skin, they cause an itchy skin condition called scabies. Treatment is aimed at killing the mites.
Creams and Lotions
The usual treatment for scabies is a prescription cream or lotion that you apply on all of your body and leave on for at least eight hours. According to the Mayo Clinic, two commonly prescribed medications prescribed are permethrin (Elimite, Acticin) and crotamiton (Eurax).
Itching
Even though medications kill the mites quickly, the itching may continue for several weeks.
Stronger Treatment
If you do not respond to the prescription lotions and creams or have a compromised immune system, your doctor may prescribe oral medications.
Prevention
To prevent scabies from spreading, wash all clothes and linens that you used during the two to three days before treatment in hot, soapy water and dry with high heat. If you can't wash something, have it dry-cleaned. According to the Centers for Disease Control (CDC), scabies mites usually do not survive more than two to three days away from human skin.
Considerations
The CDC reports that the first time you get scabies, you usually have no symptoms for first two to six weeks, but you can still spread scabies to other people during this time. Your doctor may recommend treatment for everyone you have had close contact with, even if they have no signs of scabies.
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