SCABIES



Serving Hamilton, Stoney Creek, Grimsby and surrounding areas.


General Information:

  • Scabies is an infection of the skin with the 'itch mite' Sarcoptes scabeii.
  • The rash usually appears as a scaly, crusted eruption between the fingers and toes, over the wrists and ankles, nipples and in the underarms.  It very commonly affects the penis and scrotum.
  • Scabies virtually never affects the face or scalp.
  • Scabies is not due to poor hygiene.
  • Anyone can catch scabies if they are exposed to an infected person.
  • The mite only lives on humans; it cannot live on dogs, cats or other animals.
  • Not all people who are infected are itchy.
  • Some patients remain itchy up to one month after treatment even though they are no longer infected.
  • Scabies is spread by prolonged, close contact with an infected person. (e.g. living in the same house, sharing the same bed).
  • It can take up to one month after infection to develop symptoms.
  • Not all infected persons develop symptoms.

Treatments:

  • Everyone in the household has to be treated at the same time regardless of whether they are itchy or not.
  • Close contacts (e.g. boyfriend/girlfriend) also have to be treated.
  • Co-workers or classmates do not need to be treated.
  • Everyone should have a hot soapy bath or shower the same evening.
  • Over the counter creams and lotions are available to treat scabies. 
  • Please talk to your doctor to determine which one is best for your situation.
  • It is usually not necessary to treat the face or scalp.
  • Remember to treat between the fingers and toes, the genital area and the soles of the feet as well.
  • Wear the medication over night and wash it off the next morning.
  • All of the bedding and linen has to be washed before it can be used again.
  • The scabies mite can live off the skin for up to 7 days.
  • Any clothes that have not been worn for more that a week before treatment can be worn without being washed.
  • All other clothing should be washed. Any clothing that cannot be washed should not be worn for at least 7 days.  After 7 days any mites present should be dead.
  • It is NOT necessary to change the mattresses.
  • It is NOT necessary to fumigate the home.
  • It is not necessary to treat the carpets or furniture.
  • It is not necessary to treat pets.
  • The treatment should be repeated after one week.
  • If a cortisone cream has been prescribed, it is safe to use it after the first treatment with the anti-scabies medications.
  • Antihistamine pills may be helpful to treat the itch.
  • It may take up to one month after treatment for the symptoms to disappear.