Scabies

Scabies are mites that burrow under the skin and lay eggs which hatch and undergo many changes before completing the life cycle.  Over a month, as the life cycle repeats itself, the patient becomes gradually allergic to the mite.  He/she develops skin lesions on the body particularly on the genitals, upper legs, arms, abdomen and wrists.  They generally do not appear on the face

The disease can be treated with Kwell, a topical drug which is applied over the entire body, except the face for a 12 hour period.

DIRECTIONS FOR DISINFECTING YOU: 

1.  Take a warm soapy bath (you might use a soft brush) followed by drying with a towel.
2.  Apply a thin layer of Kwell lotion (1 oz.) to the entire body from the neck down
3.  Leave on for 12 hours.
4.  Wash off thoroughly in the bath.
5.  Put on clean clothes.
6.  Most people do not require a second application but if necessary a second application may be made in a week.

DIRECTIONS FOR DISINFECTING YOUR ENVIRONMENT:

1.  Wash all clothes, towels, sheets, blankets or sleeping bags that have been exposed to scabies in hot or warm water and put in a hot dryer for at least 20 minutes, OR
2.  Dry clean clothes or sleeping bags, OR
3.  Seal in a large plastic bag for 10 days.
4.  There is an over-the-counter product called Kwell spray you can use to disinfect upholstered furniture, rugs or carpets

Because the itching and skin lesions from the allergic sensitization lasts awhile, it takes a good week for the itching to diminish and the skin lesions to disappear.  Sometimes, people may become allergic to Kwell, a drug which may be quite irritating.  If the skin lesions do not improve and itching continues, return to your doctor for re-examination.

THIS DRUG IS A PESTICIDE - DO NOT USE MORE THAN TWICE.  IF AFTER TWO APPLICATIONS YOU ARE NOT BETTER, RETURN TO YOUR DOCTOR TO BE RE-EXAMINED.

DEFINITELY DO NOT:
1. Do not use on infants or animals
2. Do not use on eyes or other mucous membranes.

IF ACCIDENTAL CONTACT WITH EYES OCCURS, FLUSH WITH WATER.