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Scabies Treatment

Self-Care at Home

Although you cannot cure a case of scabies without prescription medication from a doctor, there are certain things you can do at home to keep from reinfesting yourself or your family.

• Wash all clothing, towels, and bed linens that you have used in the last three days. Use hot water. You should use the dryer at high heat rather than air drying. Since the mites can survive on nonliving objects for several days, place the objects that are not machine washable (such as coats and stuffed toys) into a bag and store for a week.
• Use the medication as prescribed and instructed. Do not use it more than instructed because you risk causing chemical irritation of your skin.
• You can also treat itching with antihistamine medications such as diphenhydramine (Benadryl), hydroxyzine (Atarax), cetirizine (Zyrtec), and promethazine (Phenergan).
• Cut your nails, and clean under them thoroughly to remove any mites or eggs that may be present.
• Thoroughly vacuum your rugs, furniture, bedding, and car interior and throw the vacuum-cleaner bag away when finished.
• Try to avoid scratching. Keep any open sores clean.