Help again

[tarzan]

Re my question on Scabies on 16/11. Thanks for your help. I have tried all the above and wondering if there was some of of system to go through once the lotion was on. If anyone could help I would be grateful. Amazingly loads of people in my area have had it according to my doctor but it's a bit of a taboo for some reason. Probably associated with poor hygiene although it has nothing to do with that.

[Lindy Loo]

Hi, I do sympathise with your problem, my sister caught it in the 1970's, and the lotions then were ugh!

As scabies is 'caught' through direct contact with an 'infected' person (much the same as headlice) it is very important to treat everyone in the house, (and mention it to any close friends even if they are not itching yet!)

 

Try this link.... it takes you too a web page all about the little blighters!

http://tinyurl.com/597gy

 

Now I'm flipping itching at the thought of it!

Hope it helps and good luck.

[AllYourBase]

Remeber that it gets imore itchy a couple of days after treatment, as the mites die out and their shells/corpses/burrows start to be sloughed away by the body. A lot of people associate this with product failure, but in fact it's a good sign. Use of an oral antihistamine (from the chemist) can help reduce this unpleasant feeling.

If it's in your area, someone is spreading it, probably without knowing. Sofas/sleeping bags and sheets can harbour the mites for a VERY SHORT time, so if these are being routinely shared (eg shared house, common room, barracks),it might be a good idea to have them cleaned, especially if it is warm (ie so people wear shorts/short sleeves)

[Robinia]

Sorry I didn't notice your first Q & I'm really trawling my memory here 'cos like Lindy Loo this was the 70's!

Evening 1 - At the end of the day cover all family in lotion - pay attention to the 'warmer' areas -  & put all clothes & towels into as hot a wash as possible.

Next morning put all bedding, nightwear & towels into the wash.

Evening 2 (& possibly 3 - sorry I can't remember) repeat all again. 

I seem to recall doing it once more a week or so later.

 Yes it's a right nuisance doing all that laundry but it was the only thing that shifted it for us. I was horrified & embarrassed about it at the time as no one talked about it, but apparently lots suffered.

Sorry it's a bit vague & do bear in mind that treatment may be different now & the repeat process might not be needed. I wouldn't want you to 'overdose' on the chemicals. If it's not clearing then maybe you should ask to see a dermatologist at your local hospital.

 

[Robinia]

You might find this useful..

http://www.nhsdirect.nhs.uk/en.asp?TopicID=403&AreaID=2198&LinkID=1801

[Jenniec]

You have my complete and utter sympathy. I had them a few years ago and because I was abroad it wasn't diagnosed for ten weeks by which time I was in a horrible state. Yoy can actually get the from as little physical contact as shaking hands.

Use the lotion. Hot wash all your bedding and towels or you are likely to reinfect yourself. IF you have children or a partner get them treated and wash all their bedding etc. as well.

And if its really itchy try some calamine lotion. Rest assured that the itch goes very quickly once the hideous little things have been treated.

(oh and next time you shake hands wear gloves!)

[tarzan]

Thanks very much for all your help. When you say all your bedding does that include duvets or just the covers? Just found out today that loads of my daughters friends have had / have it but have kept quiet - all with the same suspect for spreading it!