What is scabies?
Scabies is a skin infection by a microscopic burrowing mite.
What are the symptoms?
Severe itching. The areas most affected are the webs of the fingers and toes, the inside of the wrists, belt or bra line, armpits, and groin. It virtually never extends above the neck.
How long does the itch last?
Itching usually lasts for a week or two after effective treatment. You should get no new sites of itching.
Treatment
A topical lotion will be prescribed. If pregnant, do not use without first talking to your doctor. Apply the lotion in a thin film from below the jaw (from the neck down) all over the body, including the soles of the feet. Pay special attention to rubbing the material into skin creases and folds as well as between the fingers, in the belly button and apply under the nails.
What does a person with scabies have to do with clothes, bedding, and similar items?
A hot water wash of bedding and clothes performed on the same evening you apply the lotion should be adequate. You do not need to fumigate the house or furniture. Dry cleaning of non-washable items destroys the parasite. If you cannot wash or dry clean an item, place it in a plastic bag, seal the bag and leave it for 10 days.
How do people get scabies?
Mites get on your skin because of direct contact with others. They do not jump across empty space.
Who around the infected person should be treated?
Any one who has had direct skin contact and who has similar symptoms of itching and evidence of the skin changes should be seen by their doctor. If there is any doubt, they should consult their doctor. Do not share the medication.