Scabies is a contagious parasite that requires treatment because it does not resolve on its own. Lack of treatment may lead to other complications such as infected sores.
If you know you have been infected with Scabies, non-prescription options are available at the pharmacy, but if you are uncertain about the cause of your itching or rash, contact your doctor to make a diagnosis. The medication is intended for topical application to the entire body. Read more about Tenutex, the first-line choice for scabies¹.
When initiating treatment it is also important to sanitize the environment to minimize the risk of reinfection, since Scabies mites can survive for up to three days outside the human body. Clean textiles such as towels, clothing, rugs and couches; change bedding and clean the mattress. Keep contact with pets to a minimum since they may be infected with Scabies. If you have a partner or other family members in your household the is a great risk that they also are infected, for which reason they should be treated since Scabies is transmitted through bodily contact.
Postponing treatment increases the risk of infecting others in your environment. Lack of treatment also entails:
Greater difficulty in treating scabies. In addition to the usual symptoms of Scabies, lengthy infection may result in hardened skin surfaces, which make it more difficult to combat all the mites and their eggs.
Increased risk of bacterial infection. Lack of Scabies treatment results in more severe symptoms. Since severe itching is the most common symptom of Scabies, scratches and open sores often result, which in turn increase risk of infection with streptococcal bacteria.
Persistent itching after treatment
Persistent post-treatment itching does not necessarily mean that treatment was unsuccessful. It is extremely common for itching to persist after treatment for up to three weeks. The itching is due to a hypersensitivity reaction and an activated immune system. After treatment is carried out, the Scabies tunnels and dead mites still remain in the body. The body begins a healing process and tries to force the remaining mites out of the tunnels under the skin. As this process begins, itching may recur since the body is trying to force the mites through the upper skin layer. Contact your doctor if itching has not subsided after three weeks.
To reduce the itching that occurs after treatment, you may use a mild hydrocortisone cream to relieve the symptoms.
Tips to keep scabies away
- – Treat everyone in the household if any member is diagnosed with Scabies.
- – Always use a newly washed towel after showering and bathing.
- – Do not share towels with anyone else.
- – Disinfect all furniture as feasible. Don’t forget car seats, highchairs and mattresses.
- – Wash all used clothing and change pillowcases daily during treatment.
- – Air out shoes, quilts, pillows and rugs. Disinfect all objects as feasible.
- – Before initiating treatment, cut toenails and fingernails to better expose the skin under the nails. Be thorough when applying the medication.
- – Do not share your bed with an infected individual.
- – Avoid contact with pets as much as possible since they may be carriers of Scabies.
¹Läkemedelsboken 2011-2012, sid. 400, Läkemedelsverket.
Page last edited 20160104.