How to avoid getting infected with the scabies mite? - briefly
Maintain personal hygiene, avoid prolonged skin‑to‑skin contact with infected persons, and do not share clothing, bedding, or towels. Wash fabrics at high temperatures and disinfect surfaces if exposure is suspected.
How to avoid getting infected with the scabies mite? - in detail
Avoid direct skin contact with individuals who have confirmed scabies or exhibit intense itching and rash. Maintain personal hygiene by washing hands frequently with soap and water, especially after touching potentially contaminated surfaces. Use a disinfectant containing at least 70 % alcohol on shared objects such as clothing, bedding, towels, and sports equipment.
- Wash clothing, sheets, and towels in hot water (minimum 50 °C) and dry on high heat; alternatively, seal items in a plastic bag for 72 hours to starve the mites.
- Apply a 1 % permethrin cream or a 5 % benzyl benzoate lotion to the entire body from neck to toe, following the product instructions, when exposure is suspected.
- Inspect close contacts and treat them prophylactically if any symptoms appear, even before a formal diagnosis.
- Limit shared use of personal items; avoid borrowing or lending clothing, socks, or shoes.
- In institutional settings (schools, nursing homes), enforce routine cleaning of communal areas and immediate isolation of affected individuals.
Maintain skin integrity by keeping cuts and abrasions clean and covered; damaged skin can facilitate mite entry. When traveling, choose accommodations with regular laundry services and avoid contact with infested bedding. If a rash develops, seek medical evaluation promptly to confirm diagnosis and initiate appropriate topical therapy. Early intervention stops spread and reduces the risk of secondary infection.