Why shouldn't clothes be changed during scabies treatment?

Generally, scabies is a contagious skin disease caused by the mite Sarcoptes scabiei. Avoiding clothing changes during scabies treatment is primarily related to the life cycle of the mites, their transmission capability, the risk of drug resistance, the risk of reinfestation, and the need to prevent interruption of treatment. If discomfort occurs, it is recommended to seek medical attention promptly and receive treatment under a doctor's guidance. The specific analysis is as follows:

1. Life Cycle of Scabies Mites

The mites complete their life cycle on human skin in approximately 10–14 days. During scabies treatment, medications require sufficient time to kill mites at all developmental stages. Scabies infection is typically accompanied by symptoms such as itching, skin papules, or burrows. It is important to follow medical advice and use medications such as sulfur and boric acid cream, ivermectin tablets, or benzyl benzoate lotion for treatment.

2. Transmission Capability of Scabies Mites

Scabies mites can attach to clothing. Changing clothes may disperse the pathogens into the air or onto other objects, increasing the spread of the disease and potentially infecting others. Infected individuals may experience severe itching and skin papules. In such cases, all close contacts of the patient should be examined promptly, and the patient’s clothing should be washed at high temperatures or properly disinfected.

3. Risk of Drug Resistance in Scabies Mites

Frequent clothing changes may interrupt the treatment course. If mites are not completely eradicated, surviving mites may develop resistance to the medication used. This often results in poor treatment outcomes or recurring symptoms. It is essential to complete the full treatment course as prescribed by a doctor—even if symptoms have improved—to reduce the risk of developing drug-resistant mites.

4. Risk of Reinfestation

When mites remain on clothing, changing garments may lead to reinfestation of the patient’s skin, prolonging treatment duration and increasing its difficulty. Symptoms may initially improve after treatment but quickly recur. Under medical guidance, clothing should be sealed and stored or disinfected during treatment, ensuring garments are free of mites before being worn again.

5. Preventing Interruption of Treatment

During scabies treatment, topical medications are commonly used to kill mites. These drugs must maintain an adequate concentration on the skin surface to effectively eliminate the pathogens. Frequent clothing changes during treatment may disrupt this drug concentration, thereby reducing treatment efficacy. Following medical advice to continue wearing the same clothing during treatment helps ensure optimal therapeutic effectiveness.

In daily life, attention should be paid to personal hygiene and proper handling of clothing. Keeping the skin clean and dry, along with regular cleaning and disinfection of the living environment, can promote faster recovery.