Plan the scabies treatment and allow enough time
It is expensive and time-consuming to have to be treated several times, so follow all the instructions carefully, both what to do at home and what treatment the doctor thinks you should take.
1. Remove bedding
2. Cut and clean nails
3. Shower and dry hair and scalp with a hairdryer
4. Apply the scabies cream as prescribed by the doctor
5. Put on clean underwear/nightwear and wear it for 24 hours.
6. Wear cotton gloves during the entire treatment period. If you have to wash your hands, apply them again, but only once. Preferably avoid hand washing, use plastic gloves outside the cotton gloves when, for example, visiting the toilet.
7. After 24 hours: Shower again and change underwear and bedding.
8. Repeat the treatment after 7 days by starting at point 1 and carrying out all the 7 steps again.
What should be done at home?
The scabies mite dies after 6 days when it is not in contact with the skin, but also if it is exposed to very high temperatures. Here is advice to prevent re-infection:
- Washing: Wash all clothes, towels, bedding, stuffed animals, blankets, duvets and pillows you have been in contact with in the last 7 days at 60 degrees.
- Storage: Clothes that cannot be washed at 60 degrees must be put away for 7 days at room temperature (until you have finished the 2nd round of treatment).
- Mobile cover: Remove the mobile cover from the mobile phone and put it away for 7 days.
- Shoes: Shoes that have been in use in the last week are put away for 7 days. Remember that this also applies to sports and work clothes/shoes.
- Bed and mattress: Vacuum bed and mattress. Turn the mattress topper or cover the mattress with plastic, or leave it unused for 7 days.
- Furniture: Sofa/office chair/car seat must be vacuumed thoroughly. They can be covered with plastic or left unused for 7 days.
- Freezing: Freezing clothes, textiles and shoes can be considered, but the effect of freezing depends on temperature, time and how tightly packed the clothes are. To achieve the effect, the objects must be frozen through for 24 hours at -18 degrees, and the clothes must not be packed too tightly.
Close contacts should be treated even if they are not itchy.
Close contact is everyone in the household and others with whom you have shared a bed, towel and the like.
Everyone in the household should receive treatment at the same time, this also applies if you live in a collective.
Treatment for people with scabies requires a doctor's prescription.
For close contacts without symptoms or who have not shown scabies, an over-the-counter cream can be used.
Book appointment
Do you have questions about scabies or treatment?
Book an appointment with Dr. Dropin today for a consultation with one of our doctors.
Book appointmentSources:
https://www.helse-bergen.no/avdelinger/hudavdelinga/hudpoliklinikk-haukeland/skabb/
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