Do You Change Bedding Before or After Scabies Treatment?
The answer is both. You should change your bedding before starting scabies treatment to reduce the mite load and then again after treatment to remove dead mites and their byproducts. This two-pronged approach is crucial for effective eradication.
Understanding Scabies and Its Transmission
Scabies, caused by the microscopic mite Sarcoptes scabiei, is a highly contagious skin infestation. These mites burrow into the upper layer of the skin where they live and lay their eggs. The infestation leads to intense itching, especially at night, and a pimple-like skin rash. Transmission occurs through prolonged, direct skin-to-skin contact with someone who has scabies. While less common, transmission can also occur through sharing items like bedding, clothing, and towels. Therefore, understanding the role of bedding in both the spread and control of scabies is essential.
The Importance of Bedding Management in Scabies Treatment
Bedding plays a significant role in scabies control because it can harbor mites and their eggs. Mites can survive for 24-36 hours away from human skin under typical room temperature conditions. This means that bedding can act as a reservoir for re-infestation, even after successful treatment of the person with scabies. Changing bedding at strategic times during treatment helps to minimize the mite population and prevent recurrence.
Bedding Change: Before Treatment
Changing bedding before treatment serves to reduce the initial number of mites present in your environment. This makes the topical or oral medication more effective by reducing the overall mite burden.
- Wash bedding: Wash all bedding (sheets, blankets, pillowcases, comforters) in hot water (at least 130°F or 54°C).
- Dry on high heat: Dry bedding in a hot dryer for at least 20 minutes.
- Vacuum mattress: Vacuum the mattress thoroughly, paying attention to seams and crevices.
- Dispose of vacuum bag: Immediately dispose of the vacuum bag in a sealed plastic bag.
- Alternative: If washing is not feasible, seal the bedding in a plastic bag for at least 72 hours (some recommend up to 1 week). This will effectively kill the mites.
Bedding Change: After Treatment
Changing bedding after completing the prescribed scabies treatment is equally vital. This removes dead mites, eggs, and fecal matter, further reducing the risk of lingering infestation or allergic reactions to the mite debris.
- Wash bedding (again): Repeat the washing and drying process with hot water and high heat.
- Vacuum mattress (again): Repeat the vacuuming of the mattress.
- Consider encasements: Consider using mattress and pillow encasements specifically designed to prevent bed bugs and dust mites. These can also help to contain any remaining scabies mites.
- Continue regular washing: Continue to wash bedding frequently (every 2-3 days) for the next few weeks to ensure complete eradication.
Additional Measures to Prevent Re-Infestation
Besides changing bedding, other steps are important in preventing re-infestation:
- Wash clothing: Wash all clothing, towels, and personal items that have been in contact with the infested person in hot water and dry on high heat.
- Treat all household members: All household members and close contacts should be treated for scabies, even if they are not showing symptoms.
- Avoid sharing personal items: Avoid sharing clothing, towels, and bedding with others.
- Clean and disinfect: Clean and disinfect surfaces that the infested person has come into contact with.
Common Mistakes in Bedding Management
Failing to properly manage bedding is a common mistake that can lead to treatment failure or re-infestation. Here are some pitfalls to avoid:
- Not washing in hot water: Washing in lukewarm or cold water will not kill the mites.
- Not drying on high heat: Drying on low heat may not generate enough heat to kill the mites.
- Not vacuuming the mattress: The mattress can harbor mites and eggs, so vacuuming is crucial.
- Only changing bedding once: Changing bedding only once will not be enough to eradicate the mites.
- Ignoring other household items: Focusing only on bedding and neglecting other items like clothing and towels can lead to re-infestation.
| Mistake | Consequence |
|---|---|
| Washing in cold water | Mites survive and can re-infest |
| Drying on low heat | Mites survive and can re-infest |
| Skipping mattress vacuuming | Mattress becomes a reservoir for mites |
| Only one bedding change | Lingering mites and eggs lead to potential re-infestation |
| Ignoring other items | Mites survive on clothing, towels, etc., causing re-infestation |
Do You Change Bedding Before or After Scabies Treatment?: A Final Word
Effectively managing bedding is a cornerstone of successful scabies treatment. By diligently following the guidelines outlined above, including changing bedding both before and after treatment, you can significantly increase your chances of eradicating the infestation and preventing future occurrences. Consult with your doctor or a dermatologist for proper diagnosis and treatment.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) About Scabies and Bedding
Will sealing bedding in a plastic bag kill scabies mites?
Yes, sealing bedding in a plastic bag for at least 72 hours, and preferably up to one week, will effectively kill scabies mites. This deprives them of their food source (human skin) and they will eventually die. Ensure the bag is tightly sealed to prevent any mites from escaping.
How often should I wash my bedding during scabies treatment?
Wash all bedding, towels, and clothing that have been in contact with the infested person in hot water and dry on high heat at least twice: once before treatment and again after completing the prescribed treatment. Continue washing frequently (every 2-3 days) for the next few weeks.
Can I get scabies from sitting on someone’s bed who has scabies?
While less common than direct skin contact, it is possible to contract scabies from sitting on someone’s bed who has scabies, especially if they have recently used the bed. The risk is higher if the person is heavily infested and the contact is prolonged.
What temperature is hot enough to kill scabies mites in the wash?
Water temperature of at least 130°F (54°C) is necessary to kill scabies mites and their eggs during washing. Check your washing machine’s settings to ensure it reaches this temperature.
Does freezing bedding kill scabies mites?
Freezing can kill scabies mites, but it requires very low temperatures and a longer duration. While practical for some smaller items, it is usually not a feasible or reliable method for treating bedding. Washing and drying on high heat is much more effective.
Can scabies survive on a leather couch?
Scabies mites can survive on a leather couch, but it’s less hospitable than fabric. Wipe down the leather couch with a disinfectant cleaner, especially areas that come into contact with skin.
Do I need to wash all my bedding if only one person in the household has scabies?
Yes, all household members and close contacts should wash their bedding, towels, and clothing in hot water and dry on high heat, even if they are not showing symptoms. This is because scabies can be contagious even before symptoms appear.
Is it safe to use a laundromat to wash bedding during scabies treatment?
Yes, it is safe to use a laundromat, but take precautions. Transport the contaminated bedding in sealed plastic bags. After loading and unloading, disinfect the washing machine and dryer surfaces. Wash your hands thoroughly with soap and water.
What should I do with bedding that can’t be washed?
For bedding items that can’t be washed, such as some pillows or comforters, seal them in a plastic bag for at least 72 hours (up to a week). Vacuum the items thoroughly before sealing them.
Can scabies mites live on pets?
While pets can get mites, they get a different type of mite (e.g., Sarcoptes scabiei canis in dogs). These mites can cause itching and skin problems in pets, but they don’t typically survive on humans for long. However, it’s still important to treat your pet if they have mites to prevent potential, albeit temporary, transmission.
How long does it take for scabies symptoms to appear after being exposed?
The time it takes for scabies symptoms to appear after exposure varies. For first-time infestations, it can take 2-6 weeks. For re-infestations, symptoms can appear much more quickly, often within 1-4 days.
Is scabies a sign of poor hygiene?
No, scabies is not a sign of poor hygiene. It is a contagious skin infestation that can affect anyone, regardless of their cleanliness. Close contact with an infected person or their belongings is the primary mode of transmission.