Can patients with scabies take a bath?
Sep 03, 2025
Source: Cainiu Health
Dr. Liu Wenmin
Introduction
In general, whether individuals with scabies can take a bath should be determined based on the specific condition of their illness. If discomfort occurs, prompt medical attention is recommended. It is important to note that scabies is contagious. Towels, bath towels, bathtubs, and other items used by the patient during bathing should be stored and washed separately to avoid sharing with family members. Clothes, bedding, and other items changed after bathing should also be promptly disinfected by scalding with boiling water or exposure to direct sunlight.
Generally speaking, whether patients with scabies can take a bath should be determined according to the specific condition of the illness. If discomfort occurs, timely medical attention is recommended. Detailed analysis is as follows:
If scabies is in the acute phase, with numerous skin papules, blisters, significant itching, scratch marks, or even skin damage and exudation, bathing is not recommended. Bathing at this stage may irritate the damaged skin, exacerbate itching and pain, and could lead to bacterial invasion, causing secondary infection and delaying recovery.
If the scabies has been treated for a certain period, with most papules and blisters subsided, itching significantly reduced, and no skin damage or exudation present, appropriate bathing may be allowed. Warm water should be used for bathing; hot water or vigorous rubbing of the skin must be avoided. A mild, non-irritating cleanser should be selected. After bathing, the skin should be dried promptly and medication prescribed by the doctor should be applied to help consolidate the treatment effect.
It should be noted that scabies is contagious. Towels, bath towels, bathtubs, and similar items used by patients should be stored and cleaned separately to avoid sharing with family members. Clothes, bed linens, and other items changed after bathing should be disinfected promptly by scalding with boiling water or exposure to sunlight to prevent residual mites from spreading. Additionally, medication should strictly follow medical instructions during treatment; self-discontinuation or altering the dosage of medication is not advised.
