scabies

Hello, I am in need of a question to be answered by a derm. We have been diagnosed with scabies, and used Elimite over 8 weeks ago, one treatment.  8 weeks later, my 5 month old had been breaking out even more than ever, as well as myself with a rash all over the body that was very itchy-including finger webs/wrists/abdomen/back.  We went to 3 derms since last week and they all have said scabies and also said we should have done the Elimite treatment 2 times, a week apart. I have read about many skin irritations associated with Elimite, and I developed folliculitis too. I am so worried about my 5 month old. We did the 1st (2nd truly) treatment last week and now must do another this Friday. My question is how do I know if we are clear afterwards being that I read post scabies is so similar to active scabies, and secondly, am I endangering my baby giving her this stuff (also treating scalp each time).  I am near desperate, and all the doctors seem to say how safe all this is. The derms wont' do scrapings on my baby saying she will be very bothered by it. My scrapings have never revealed mite tracings, even my original skin biopsy could not confirm, but it said that scabies could not be ruled out unequivocably. I don't know if I have told you enough for a proper answer. I am so scared for the health of my baby and there is very little info on babies with scabies. Please please help! My anxiety is becoming overwhelming.  Thank you.

[Alan Rockoff, MD]

Scabies is not dangerous in babies--it's just a skin problem.  If three different dermatologists think you have it and didn't treat it sufficiently, then I think you should take their advice and treat yourself and your baby according to their suggestions.  If it is scabies and you don';t treat it, then you won't get better, and that's no good for either you or your baby.  Scrapings and biopsies are often not conclusive.  I think you ought to overcome your anxiety, which is understandable but not really necessary, and do what the doctors suggest, which is not risky.  The way you'll know that you're better is by getting better in a week or two at most after the treatment.

Best.

Dr. Rockoff