Getting scabies is nothing to be ashamed of, but once the treatment is over, it’s essential to manage your environment well to prevent reinfection. Scabies is highly contagious, and reinfestation can occur if precautions are not taken. In this article, we provide practical tips to prevent new infestations, protect your loved ones, and maintain proper hygiene.
Wash, disinfect, isolate: The keys to eliminating mites
Once you’ve treated scabies, it’s crucial to disinfect your environment to eliminate any remaining mites. Here’s what you need to do:
- Wash textiles at high temperatures: Anything that has been in contact with your skin in recent days (clothes, underwear, sheets, towels) should be washed at at least 60°C (140°F). This temperature kills the mites and their eggs. Don’t forget to wash pillows, blankets, and even children’s stuffed animals.
- Isolate non-washable items: For textiles or items that cannot be washed, such as some cushions or coats, put them in a sealed plastic bag for at least 72 hours. Mites do not survive long without human contact.
- Vacuum your environment: Vacuum floors, mattresses, and sofas to remove any potential mites. Be sure to dispose of the vacuum bag or clean the filter after use.
These steps are simple but essential to prevent scabies from reappearing in your home.
Tips to protect your family and close ones
Protecting your loved ones, including your children, after a scabies treatment requires some simple yet important steps:
- Treat everyone at the same time: Even if your loved ones have no symptoms, they should also undergo treatment. Scabies can remain asymptomatic for several weeks, so treating everyone simultaneously helps stop the chain of infection.
- Monitor itching: Continue to monitor symptoms after treatment. Itching can persist for a few weeks, but if it continues or worsens, see your doctor again.
- Inform your surroundings: If scabies was contracted in a collective place (school, daycare, workplace), inform these institutions so they can check for other cases and implement preventive measures.
By informing your surroundings, you help stop the spread of scabies.
What hygiene habits help prevent ccabies?
Although hygiene does not directly influence scabies infection, maintaining a clean environment can reduce the risk of transmission. Here are some tips for a healthy lifestyle:
- Regularly change sheets and clothes: After scabies treatment, it’s good practice to change bed sheets weekly and wash everyday clothing regularly.
- Avoid sharing personal textiles: Towels, washcloths, and clothing should not be shared, especially during treatment and monitoring periods.
- Boost the immune system: A healthy body responds better to infections. Eat a balanced diet, exercise regularly, and ensure you get enough sleep.
These simple but effective tips help create an environment less conducive to scabies transmission.
Getting rid of scabies requires precise treatment and thorough cleaning of your environment. By following these tips, you can prevent reinfection and protect your loved ones. Remember, prevention is the best weapon against the spread of scabies. By adopting good hygiene habits and monitoring symptoms, you can bid farewell to these mites and regain peace of mind.
