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Scabies treatment
scabies · scabies mite · night itching · scabies cream
Scabies is a skin disease caused by a tiny mite. The skin itches badly, especially at night. It is treated with a cream or lotion, usually for the whole family at once.
When there is severe itching, especially at night, and a fine rash between the fingers, on the wrists and on the belly.
⏱ Duration: the visit usually takes 15 to 20 minutes; treatment usually takes a few days, sometimes repeated after a week
Be sure to tell your doctor
How to prepare
- Family. Everyone who lives together needs treatment, even if they do not itch. The doctor will say.
- Bedding. Have clean bed linen and clothes ready to change into after treatment.
- Medicine. The doctor prescribes the product and the plan. Do not use folk remedies.
What to bring
- A list of your medicines
- Information about close contacts who also itch
How it goes
- The doctor asks questions and examines the skin
- Sometimes looks at the skin under magnification or takes a scraping
- Prescribes a product and explains how to apply it
- At home, the product is applied to the whole body from the neck to the heels
- It is left on for as many hours as instructed
- Then you wash and put on clean clothes
- Bed linen and clothes are washed in hot water
What you'll feel
- The exam does not hurt
- Itching can last another 2 to 4 weeks after treatment. This does not mean the treatment failed
Afterwards
- Items that cannot be washed are usually sealed in a closed bag for a few days
- Repeat the treatment only if the doctor prescribed it
- If new rash appears after 2 to 4 weeks, come back for another visit
Contact a doctor straight away if
- Crusts, pus, swollen skin or fever: see a doctor
Common questions
Is scabies caused by dirt?
No. You can catch it through close contact with a person who has scabies. Cleanliness does not fully protect.
Why do I still itch after treatment?
The skin still reacts to what is left of the mite. The itch passes in a few weeks. If it gets worse, see a doctor.