How is scabies treated?

Seek emergency care or call emergency services if you have any of the following: rapid spread of the rash; pus, yellow discharge or marked skin inflammation; high fever or general deterioration; fainting, difficulty breathing or severe systemic symptoms.

You can start with your family physician (Family Medicine) or a primary care clinic. If needed, you will be referred to a dermatologist (Dermatology and Venereal Diseases) or other specialist such as Infectious Diseases and Clinical Microbiology. The clinician will examine you and determine the best diagnostic and treatment approach.

Treatment decisions are based on clinical examination and the healthcare provider's assessment. A clinician will prescribe topical treatments applied to the skin or, when appropriate, oral medications, taking into account age, extent and any coexisting conditions. Ask your prescriber and pharmacist about how to use prescribed medications and follow instructions carefully.

To reduce spread within the household, consider the following practical measures:

• Wash clothing, bedding and towels in hot water and dry at high heat when possible.
• Isolate or vacuum non-washable textiles; sealed plastic bags for several days can be used for items that cannot be washed.
• Avoid sharing personal items and clean frequently touched surfaces.
• Inform close contacts (household members, partners) so they can seek assessment if they develop symptoms.

Return to your clinician if symptoms do not improve after treatment, if itching or the rash persists, or if new severe symptoms appear. If close contacts develop similar complaints, evaluation and management may be needed to prevent further spread in families or communal living settings.