| Disease | Injury | Nutrition | Poison |
| Special Topic | Surgery | Symptoms | Test |
| |
| Overview | Symptoms | Treatment | Prevention |
Scabies |
| Alternative Names: |
| Sarcoptes scabiei |
| Treatment: |
The objective of treatment is to eliminate the infestation. There is no known home remedy. Prescription creams and lotions are applied all over the body. It may be necessary to treat the whole family or sexual partners of infected individuals, even if no symptoms are present. Many prescription products are available. The most commonly used cream is Elimite (permethrin). In difficult cases, an oral antibiotic called ivermectin may be used. Itching may persist after treatment begins, but will disappear if treatment continues exactly as your health care provider prescribes. Itching can be minimized by cool soaks and calamine lotions. Your doctor may additionally recommend an oral antihistamine. |
| Expectations (prognosis): |
| Most cases of scabies can be cured and resolve without any long term problems. |
| Complications: |
| A secondary skin infection such as impetigo can occur because of intense scratching. |
| Calling your health care provider: |
| Call your health care provider if you have symptoms of scabies, or if someone with whom you have close contact (not necessarily sexual contact) has been diagnosed with scabies. |
Reviewed By: Michael Lehrer, M.D., Department of Dermatology, University of Pennsylvania Medical Center, Philadelphia, PA. Review provided by VeriMed Healthcare Network.
The information provided herein should not be used during any medical emergency or for the diagnosis or treatment of any medical condition. A licensed physician should be consulted for diagnosis and treatment of any and all medical conditions. Call 911 for all medical emergencies. Links to other sites are provided for information only -- they do not constitute endorsements of those other sites. Copyright 2003 A.D.A.M., Inc. Any duplication or distribution of the information contained herein is strictly prohibited.
