What should I do if I am infected with scabies mites?

Jun 27, 2024 Source: Cainiu Health
Disease description:

My son lives in a school dormitory, so he contracted scabies. What should we do after contracting scabies?

Doctor's answer (1)
Dr. Wang Xiaoyan
After being infected with scabies mites, the following measures should be taken: 1. **Isolation and treatment**: Due to the contagious nature of scabies, patients should be isolated and avoid close contact with others to prevent disease transmission. 2. **Cleaning and disinfection**: Articles such as clothing, bed sheets, and pillowcases used by the patient should undergo high-temperature disinfection or chemical disinfection to kill any mites or eggs that may be present. 3. **Medication**: Under a doctor's guidance, topical medications such as sulfur ointment or benzyl benzoate lotion should be applied to affected areas to relieve itching and kill the mites. If the itching is severe, oral antihistamines such as loratadine tablets may be taken as an adjunct treatment. 4. **Physical therapy**: If medication proves ineffective, physical treatments such as laser therapy or liquid nitrogen cryotherapy may be considered. 5. **Surgical treatment**: If the infection is severe and leads to the formation of scabies nodules, surgical removal of the nodules might be necessary. 6. **Precautions**: Patients should maintain good personal hygiene and avoid scratching the affected areas to prevent worsening of the condition. If symptoms persist or worsen, prompt medical attention should be sought.