SCABIES (CRABS)

    Scabies, or crabs, are transmittable parasitic infections characterized by intensive itching and secondary bacterial infections. They are caused by the itch mite known as Sarcoptes scabiel, which burrows under the skin to feed and lay its eggs. The itching is usually most intense when the person is in bed. The characteristic initial lesions of the burrow are seen as fine wavy dark lines a few millimeters to a half-inch long with a minute papule at the open end. A red lesion occurs on the finger webs, on the under-surface of the wrists, about the elbows and under arms, around the nipple area of the breasts in females, on the genitals in males, along the belt line, and on the lower buttocks.
The face is not usually involved in adults but may be in infants. The burrow may be difficult to find, especially when the disease has been persistent for several weeks, because it is often obscured by scratching or by secondary lesions. Diagnosis is confirmed by seeing the parasite under a microscope after a scraping is taken from the burrow. The mites can remain dormant in infected bedclothes or blankets for months awaiting a warm victim to bring them back to life. Scabies are nothing to ignore. See the section of Chigger in this book.
NOTE: Treatment of scabies with lindane-containing medications (Kwell) has multiple hazards to children. Nervous system disturbances have been observed and reported in scientific literature.
    * Soak in a hot bath for 20 minutes each night with 1 oz of Renew Bath Oil and 1 oz of Sol-U-Mel. Apply T36-C5 to the affected areas each morning and night. Apply Renew Intensive Skin Therapy or Triple Antibiotic Ointment to give long-term protection against infection. Apply Pain-A-Trate to extremely itchy areas, Consult your health care provider for further advice.
    Be sure to wash all clothes, towels and bedding separately. Add 2 oz of MelaPower Laundry Detergent, two capfuls of Sol-U-Mel and 2 oz of MelaBrile to your wash water. Line dry rather than tumble dry, since these parasites are so easily transmittable.