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Dr. Andrew Rynne
MD
Dr. Andrew Rynne

Family Physician

Exp 50 years

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How Can Scabies Be Treated?

I have a patient who is covered in crusted scabies currently being treated with ivermectin 18mg once weekly and permethrin cream applied 2-3 times weekly( as the patient sees fit) she believes swimming in the local pool also helps to deter the scabies, she believes she is being infected repeatedly by her dog. I want to know if she can swim in that pool, the same pool my children us at the local club.
Tue, 24 Oct 2017
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General & Family Physician 's  Response
Hello. Ask her to avoid the swimming pool.

Treatment for scabies usually involves getting rid of the infestation with prescription ointments, creams, and lotions that can be applied directly to the skin. Oral medications are also available.

Your doctor will probably instruct you to apply the medicine at night when the mites are most active. You may need to treat all of your skin from the neck down. The medicine can be washed off the following morning. Make sure you follow your doctor’s instructions very carefully. You may need to repeat the topical treatment in 7 days.

5 percent permethrin cream
25 percent benzyl benzoate lotion
10 percent sulfur ointment
10 percent crotamiton cream
1 percent lindane lotion

Your doctor may also prescribe additional medications to help relieve some of the bothersome symptoms associated with scabies. These medications include:

1. antihistamines, such as Benadryl (diphenhydramine) or pramoxine lotion to help control the itching
2. antibiotics to kill any infections that develop as a result of constantly scratching your skin
3. steroid creams to relieve swelling and itching

More aggressive treatment may be needed for severe or widespread scabies. An oral tablet called ivermectin (Stromectol) can be given to people who:

1. don’t see an improvement in symptoms after initial treatment
2. have crusted scabies
3. have scabies that covers most of the body

During the first week of treatment, it may seem as if the symptoms are getting worse. However, after the first week, you’ll notice less itching, and you should be completely healed by the fourth week of treatment. Skin that hasn’t healed within a month may still be infested with scabies mites. It’s important to remember that “post-scabies itch” can last up to one month.

Contact your doctor right away if you find that symptoms persist after four weeks of treatment.

regards- Dr Sanjay Kini
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How Can Scabies Be Treated?

Hello. Ask her to avoid the swimming pool. Treatment for scabies usually involves getting rid of the infestation with prescription ointments, creams, and lotions that can be applied directly to the skin. Oral medications are also available. Your doctor will probably instruct you to apply the medicine at night when the mites are most active. You may need to treat all of your skin from the neck down. The medicine can be washed off the following morning. Make sure you follow your doctor’s instructions very carefully. You may need to repeat the topical treatment in 7 days. 5 percent permethrin cream 25 percent benzyl benzoate lotion 10 percent sulfur ointment 10 percent crotamiton cream 1 percent lindane lotion Your doctor may also prescribe additional medications to help relieve some of the bothersome symptoms associated with scabies. These medications include: 1. antihistamines, such as Benadryl (diphenhydramine) or pramoxine lotion to help control the itching 2. antibiotics to kill any infections that develop as a result of constantly scratching your skin 3. steroid creams to relieve swelling and itching More aggressive treatment may be needed for severe or widespread scabies. An oral tablet called ivermectin (Stromectol) can be given to people who: 1. don’t see an improvement in symptoms after initial treatment 2. have crusted scabies 3. have scabies that covers most of the body During the first week of treatment, it may seem as if the symptoms are getting worse. However, after the first week, you’ll notice less itching, and you should be completely healed by the fourth week of treatment. Skin that hasn’t healed within a month may still be infested with scabies mites. It’s important to remember that “post-scabies itch” can last up to one month. Contact your doctor right away if you find that symptoms persist after four weeks of treatment. regards- Dr Sanjay Kini