From the Guidelines
To effectively treat scabies-infested clothes, it is recommended to decontaminate them by either machine-washing, machine-drying using the hot cycle, or dry cleaning, or to remove them from body contact for at least 72 hours. This approach is based on the guidelines provided by the MMWR Recommendations and Reports in 2015 1. The key considerations for treating clothes include:
- Machine-washing and machine-drying using the hot cycle to kill the scabies mites
- Dry cleaning as an alternative for items that cannot be washed
- Removing items from body contact for at least 72 hours for items that cannot be washed or dry cleaned It is also important to note that fumigation of living areas is unnecessary, as stated in the guidelines 1. Additionally, keeping fingernails closely trimmed can help reduce injury from excessive scratching. While treating clothes, it is crucial to also treat the body with prescription medications as directed by a healthcare provider, as clothing treatment alone will not cure the infestation. All household members and close contacts should be treated simultaneously to prevent reinfestation.
From the Research
Scabies Clothes Treatment
- There is no direct information available in the provided studies regarding the treatment of scabies-infested clothes.
- However, it can be inferred that treating scabies-infested individuals with permethrin or ivermectin, as discussed in the studies 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, may help reduce the risk of transmission through clothes.
- The studies primarily focus on the treatment of scabies in individuals, with permethrin and ivermectin being the most commonly used treatments.
- It is essential to note that scabies mites can survive off a human host for up to 72 hours, making it crucial to wash and dry clothes, bedding, and towels in hot water and high heat to kill the mites 5.
- While the studies do not provide specific guidance on clothes treatment, they emphasize the importance of proper hygiene and treatment of infected individuals to prevent the spread of scabies.