Liz (Riverside, Calif) on 10/28/2011
P. S. I did invest in a steamer and was obsessed with cleaning for the 2weeks, and I washed bedding everyday and never wore the same thing twice without washing. Good luck to all you people fighting these little critters, try this it works! Thank you Earth Clinic.
Replied By Bitemenot (Radcliff, Ky) on 11/30/2011
-Acute infestation, possibly under a week, 3 people (one is a 3yr old), two adults showing signs of infestation.
So about two weeks ago a friend of my wife possibly brought over some friends of her own (scabies). Though her friend claims it is psoriasis all of the indicators point to scabies. All of the girls friends within the last few months have broken out with a rash. Now two weeks after the girl spends the night on our couch, my wife is diagnosed with scabies and two days later I am. It started as just a few bumps we assumed were a reaction to an antibiotic, then it spread, waving and waning. Thighs, then hips, then back, then legs, now face. Then we found out about the girls other friends breaking out. I immediately began research upon my wifes diagnosis, spent roughly 12 hours of straight research.
Her doctor prescribed her Ivermectin, , my doctor did as well, I am not real fond of the idea of using such a powerful pesticide like chemical in my body. Besides, we have a 3 year old and we are sure not putting it in her , so we are exploring safer alternatives first.
Although I was hesitant to bathe (and my wife is extremely sceptical) with Borax, which some places inisist is toxic. I decided it couldnt be any less safe externally bathing in the stuff than digesting/metabolizing pesticide.
Tonight I soaked for about 30 minutes in a bath(super hot) of a little more than half a cup of borax and a bottle of 3% hydrogen peroxide (walmart didnt have the 35%). Letting each different part of my body soak for 10 minutes at a time, legs, chest/back neck, face /head/scalp. BTW I did spot test the Borax as I suggest anyone do before spreading/bathing with a unfamiliar chemical across a large surface area of your body. I just started showing epidermal indicators (bumps) today and my wife 3 days ago, so I do not believe our infestation to be to severe. We are cleaning the house thoroughly with the Borax as well. My daughter was a little itchy last night, but otherwise exhibits no signs at the moment.
The original suspected carrier continues to proclaim to be diagnosed with psoriasis or egzima, with recent visit to hospital (ER), and months ago by a dermatologist.
I'll keep yall updated on the effectiveness of treatment.
Replied By Teena (Kelowna, Bc Canada ) on 12/22/2011
Replied By Hayden (Nz) on 01/12/2012
I actually got a little depressed after reading about the resilience these vermin can have. I've never done so much laundry :)
Anyone waging this war has my sympathy, but keep up with the cleaning and you'll preserver. I met my nemesis face to face at work as I dug 5 or 6 them out of my hand under a microscope. Needless to say I kept my secret quiet whilst worrying that I'd pass them on to someone else. I think there's a automatic association people make between scabies and uncleanliness/bad hygiene. I know I did, but to my relief I learned this isn't the case.
I'm contributing my story due to the appreciation I have for the advice people have given. I'm itching just thinking about the whole ordeal.
I had an allergic reaction to the mites which would bring up itchy bumps all over my stomach / legs. Try not to scratch these as they are not the mites, and will leave you with red bumps all over the show. I took antihistamines to alleviate the irritation, and in turn make life bearable.
Good luck :)
Replied By Justin (Melbourne, Florida) on 06/07/2012