HHC Health & Home Care Clinical Policy And

HHC HEALTH & HOME CARE Section: 13-15
Infection Control: Scabies, Treatment of ` __RN
PURPOSE:
To destroy the mite, relieve the itching and skin irritation
caused by the mite, and prevent the spread of the
infestation.
CONSIDERATIONS:
1. Patient should avoid scratching the rash, as
scratching can cause skin to bleed and become
infected. Wearing gloves at night can help.
2. The physician may also want to preventively treat
others living in the house.
3. Itching will continue for several weeks to several
months after treatment, even though the scabies
mites are dead.
4. A second treatment may be necessary in some
cases after an interval of 7 to 10 days. If that is the
case, the same procedure must be followed.
5. All clothes, bed linens, wash cloths, towels, and any
other articles that come into contact with the
patients skin during the 48 hours prior to treatment
must be washed with hot, soapy water and dried on
the hot cycle of clothes dryer.
6. All items that came into contact with the patient's
skin during the 48 hours prior to treatment that
cannot be washed, must be placed in a sealed
plastic bag and remain untouched for 10 days. At
that time, items can be removed and used once
again.
7. It is not necessary to treat overcoats, heavy winter
jackets, furniture, etc.
EQUIPMENT:
Scabicidal medication
Soap
Water
Towel
Washcloth
Gloves
Disposable gown
PROCEDURE:
1. Adhere to Universal Precautions.
2. Explain procedure to patient/caregiver.
3. Follow manufacturer's instructions for medication
use.
4. Assemble equipment.
5. Rub medication in thoroughly from neck to toes.
Medication must be allowed to remain on for 8 to 12
hours
6. After 8 to 12 hours (according to instructions with
medication), wash, rinse, and dry entire body.
AFTER CARE:
1. Document in patient's record:
a. Treatment provided, including: date, time, and
medication applied.
b. Patient's response to treatment.
2. Any changes in patient's condition must be reported
to supervisor or physician, as appropriate.
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