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Can You Get Scabies Treatment Online?
Yes, licensed medical doctors can provide scabies treatment online. Scabies will not go away on their own and are typically treated with prescription creams and lotions called scabicides. Book an online appointment today to speak to a doctor about scabies treatment options.

What Are Scabies?
Scabies are an infestation of the skin by a microscopic mite called Sarcoptes scabiei. They occur when a female scabies bug burrows just beneath the surface of the skin, lays eggs, and her eggs hatch releasing more mites into the skin – usually about 10-15 mites.
These mites then work their way to the surface to either burrow in the skin again (to lay more eggs) or find another person to infest.
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Are scabies contagious?
Scabies are highly contagious, especially in crowded environments where people have frequent skin-to-skin contact.
These environments include places such as preschool/daycare centers, school classrooms, prisons, nursing homes, group homes and other crowded environments. These environments allow scabies to thrive as they can easily move from person-to-person laying eggs given the close quarters.
Because scabies is so contagious, those in close contact to an infested person are recommended to seek treatment as well, even if they show no symptoms.
Scabies symptoms can be delayed for 2-6 weeks after a person becomes infested. But they are still contagious during this time period. This allows them to infest many people before anyone even knows there is an outbreak.
What are scabies symptoms?
The symptoms of scabies are often delayed several weeks after an infestation. In some cases, it can take up to 6 weeks for symptoms to set in. This is because the skin does not immediately react to the mites. However, those who have had scabies before usually show symptoms after only a few days.
When the symptoms of scabies do set in, they typically consist of:
– Severe itching, that usually worsens at night
– A pimple-like rash
– Blistering and scaly skin
– Sores caused by scratching
– Thin, raised burrow tracks on the skin, made up of blisters and bumps, ranging in color from white, to red to the color of your skin
Is scabies an STI?
While scabies can be transmitted sexually, they are not exclusively contracted that way. Any skin-to-skin touching for an extended period of time can result in the transmission of scabies from one person to another.
That said, sex is the most common way scabies that are transmitted between adults. A common place of infestation is the penis. You are at a higher risk of scabies on penis if you have had sex or intimate relations with a person infected with scabies. Your risk is also higher if you have multiple sexual partners.
Scabies on the penis looks like a pimply rash and raised burrow tracks. It is extremely itchy and will cause discomfort. If you think you have scabies on your penis, see a doctor for official diagnosis, as there are other STIs you could have.
Condoms do not prevent the spread of scabies. The best way to prevent spreading scabies is to refrain from close contact and intimate touching until the scabies have been treated and all bedding and clothing is properly cleaned. Close contact before this point puts your partner(s) at risk of contracting scabies, as it is highly contagious, specifically in intimate settings with skin-to-skin contact.
How do you catch scabies?
Scabies is commonly spread through sexual contact in adults. However, you can also catch scabies by sharing a bed or clothes with an infected person. Having any skin-to-skin contact is a sure way to spread scabies.
Environments that involve close contact with other people such as classrooms and nursing homes are common places for scabies to spread.
If you are exposed to a person with a scabies infestation, catching scabies is likely because it is highly contagious. If you have been exposed to scabies, contact your doctor and seek preventative treatment.
Symptoms of scabies are often delayed, and getting treatment before symptoms arise will save you from discomfort and rash.
When should you see a doctor for scabies?
If you or someone close to you is experiencing the above symptoms, is it important to see a doctor as soon as possible. A doctor can confirm your symptoms are a result of a scabies infestation and prescribe you the proper treatment medication.
People who have come into close contact with a person who has been infested with scabies should also see a doctor to prevent an outbreak, even if they are not showing symptoms. Because of the delayed nature of the symptoms, you can be infested long before knowing it.
What is typical scabies treatment?
Scabies will not go away on their own and are typically treated with prescription creams and lotions called scabicides. Scabicide lotion/cream should be applied as directed by your doctor in accordance with the instructions on the bottle.
While scabicides are highly effective at killing the mites, the itching will typically persist for several days after the mites have been killed. To help ease the discomfort of itching, there are several over-the-counter anti-itch creams and pills that can provide relief, such as hydrocortisone and antihistamine pills.
Those who have come into close contact with a person who has scabies should undergo treatment as well, even if no symptoms are showing.
Scabies Prevention
In addition to undergoing treatment, there several other measures to be taken to prevent the spreading of highly contagious scabies. These include:
– Wash all bedding (sheets, pillowcases, pillows, mattress pads/covers, blankets) that may have become infested in warm soapy water and putting them through a hot dryer.
Wash all clothing, hats, shoes and jackets that are at risk of infestation in warm soapy water before putting through a hot dryer.
– Wash all towels in warm soapy water and put through a hot dryer.
– Starve the mites by placing infected items in plastic bags for several weeks (mites will usually starve to death in a few days without a host person).
Additionally, it is crucial that you clean and disinfect your house. Mites can live off the human body for 2-3 days and re-infestation is common. To avoid this you must wash everything.
Scabies Prevention
In addition to undergoing treatment, there several other measures to be taken to prevent the spreading of highly contagious scabies. These include:
– Wash all bedding (sheets, pillowcases, pillows, mattress pads/covers, blankets) that may have become infested in warm soapy water and putting them through a hot dryer.
Wash all clothing, hats, shoes and jackets that are at risk of infestation in warm soapy water before putting through a hot dryer.
– Wash all towels in warm soapy water and put through a hot dryer.
– Starve the mites by placing infected items in plastic bags for several weeks (mites will usually starve to death in a few days without a host person).
Additionally, it is crucial that you clean and disinfect your house. Mites can live off the human body for 2-3 days and re-infestation is common. To avoid this you must wash everything.
Telehealth is not appropriate for serious conditions that require immediate attention or emergency care. If you experience any life-threatening issues, call 911 or go to an emergency room immediately.