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Scabies are small mites. Contraction usually occurs from person-to-person
contact, but may also be contracted by laying in bedding infested
with scabies such as sleeping bags that have been stored in
attics or garages that have not been cleaned before camping,
or in unclean hotel bedding. Scabies classically concentrate
in the webbing between the fingers, in the creases underneath
breasts, around nipples, in between toes, around the waistline,
and underneath the arms. Burrows are clearly evident underneath
the skin with a magnifying glass. A healthcare provider is
usually able to scrape these burrows onto a glass slide and
look under a magnifying glass to view the organism and/or
eggs.
Scabies Treatment
Treatment: Application of Permethrin
(Elimite). This is usually applied after a shower and is left
on overnight, and then washed off the next day. This can be
repeated in two weeks. All linens and clothing should be washed
with warm, soapy water, and thoroughly dried. Itching is so
intense that it is very beneficial to take an antihistamine
to decrease the intensity of the itching. |
