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Dermatology (Expert Forum)
When is it safe to visit a scabies infested person?
Answered by
Alan Rockoff, MD - dermatology, Child Skin Problems
The Rockoff Dermatology Center
Brookline - MA
Welcome to the DERMATOLOGY FORUM! Questions in this forum are answered by Dermatologists from St. Luke's Roosevelt Hospital, under the direction of Andrew Alexis, M.D., M.P.H.
When is it safe to visit a scabies infested person?
by Momof3plusangel, Jun 19, 2009 11:24AM
My dad was diagnosed with scabies and is being treated. He has had this for about 3 months and still has the itching, etc. I don't want to fathom how he got these. He is a dentist. He also started physical therapy about the same time this started.
His dermatologist had prescribed the cream. He's had several rechecks.The parasites aren't killed yet. When I last spoke with him, my dad was going to ask for the oral meds.
Now, he and his wife have asked my family to visit for Father's Day. But, I am secretly hesitant, as I know this is contagious and the mites can even get on us from their furniture. I know it is not common, but I am very nervous, nevertheless. I know his wife was treated as a precaution, as she lives in the home. We, on the other hand, will travel 2.5 hours, one way, to visit. She also said she is sleeping in the guest bedroom. 1. Because my dad itches relentlessly all night. 2. She doesn't want to get it.
He is a dentist. He is a OCD guy about germs but still maybe some of his OCD-ness has passed on to me, as I am afraid one of us (I have 3 kids 8-14 and my husband) will get this!!! I have read that they can be passed on even with a hug. And you won't know you have it for a few weeks, till the eggs hatch under your skin.
Please advise. I am nervous. It concerns me that the dermatologist said the parasites are not dead yet and are stubburn buggers.
His dermatologist had prescribed the cream. He's had several rechecks.The parasites aren't killed yet. When I last spoke with him, my dad was going to ask for the oral meds.
Now, he and his wife have asked my family to visit for Father's Day. But, I am secretly hesitant, as I know this is contagious and the mites can even get on us from their furniture. I know it is not common, but I am very nervous, nevertheless. I know his wife was treated as a precaution, as she lives in the home. We, on the other hand, will travel 2.5 hours, one way, to visit. She also said she is sleeping in the guest bedroom. 1. Because my dad itches relentlessly all night. 2. She doesn't want to get it.
He is a dentist. He is a OCD guy about germs but still maybe some of his OCD-ness has passed on to me, as I am afraid one of us (I have 3 kids 8-14 and my husband) will get this!!! I have read that they can be passed on even with a hug. And you won't know you have it for a few weeks, till the eggs hatch under your skin.
Please advise. I am nervous. It concerns me that the dermatologist said the parasites are not dead yet and are stubburn buggers.
Doctor's Answer
by Alan Rockoff, MD, Jun 24, 2009 11:06PM
, Jun 24, 2009 11:06PMTo: Momof3plusangel
From your description, your father does not have scabies. One application of anti-scabies medicine kills the mites. If your father is still itching, that almost certainly means not that he has resistant scabies but that he never had scabies to start with or that he had scabies and is cured but keeps scratching because he is scabies-phobic or OCD. Please suggest that he stop being treated for scabies and get a proper diagnosis. And do not hesitate to visit.
Best.
Dr. Rockoff
Best.
Dr. Rockoff
