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Prof. Amir Horev

Dermatology and Venereology Specialist and Pediatric Dermatologist

Scabies - Scabies is a skin disease that manifests itself in intense itching, tingling, redness, and sometimes even blisters, scabs, and a widespread rash.

The disease is caused by an inflammatory response of the immune system to infection with a mite-like mite called Sarcoptes scabiei, which is transmitted from person to person through direct skin-to-skin contact or through shared use of towels, sheets, clothing, etc.

Treatment of the disease is relatively simple and includes the use of preparations/creams that damage the crust. The treatment should be repeated after a week.

Highlights for treatment with topical preparations against scabies

  • Apply the cream to clean, dry and cold skin. There is no need to bathe immediately after applying the preparation.
  • Make sure that the entire skin area is applied, from the hairline on the head to the soles of the feet and tips of the toes. Avoid applying near and around the eyes.
  • Pay special attention to applying behind the ears, between the fingers and toes, the roots of the palms of the hands, the external genitals, buttocks and under the nails.
  • There is no need to apply excess cream until layers can be seen on the surface.
  • 8-12 hours after applying certain preparations, the entire body area should be thoroughly washed (please check with your doctor).
  • Any cream that is washed off the skin during treatment should be reapplied – for example, when washing hands.
  • When possible, it is best to ask someone else to apply the product, so that hard-to-reach areas of the body are more effectively reached.
  • Immediately after treatment, bed linen should be changed and clothes that have been recently washed should be worn.
  • Clothes, towels, underwear and pajamas that have been used by the patient in the 48 hours prior to treatment should be washed hot/boiled or dry cleaned. Alternatively, the items should be stored in a dry place for a week before being reused, as the mites do not survive for long when not on the human body.