Although you cannot cure a case of scabies without prescription medication from a doctor, there are certain things you can do at home to keep from re-infecting yourself or your family.

* Wash all clothing, towels, and bed linens that you have used in the last three days. Use hot water. You should use the dryer at high heat rather than air drying. Since the mites can survive on nonliving objects for several days, place the objects that are not machine washable (such as coats and stuffed toys) into a bag and store for a week.

* Use the medication as prescribed and instructed. Do not use it more than instructed because you risk causing chemical irritation of your skin.

* You can also treat itching with antihistamine medications such as diphenhydramine (Benadryl), hydroxyzine (Atarax), cetirizine (Zyrtec), and promethazine (Phenergan).

* Cut your nails, and clean under them thoroughly to remove any mites or eggs that may be present.

* Thoroughly vacuum your rugs, furniture, bedding, and car interior and throw the vacuum-cleaner bag away when finished.

* Try to avoid scratching. Keep any open sores clean.

You should see a doctor if you suspect you have scabies. Many home remedies have been described, but none have been shown to work. Also, other conditions may cause rashes that itch, and it is important to have the correct diagnosis. When calling to schedule an appointment, be sure to tell your doctor's staff that you are concerned that you or your child may have scabies.

If you still have symptoms two weeks after treatment, you should be reevaluated by a physician. Sometimes the itching takes a while to go away. It is also possible to get re-infected.

Scabies is an infection that affects the skin, and is caused by a mite that burrows into the top layer of skin.

Scabies, also known as the itching, is a contagious ectoparasite skin infection characterized by superficial burrows and intense pruritus (itching). It is caused by the mite Sarcoptes scabies.

The word scabies itself is derived from the Latin word for "scratch". Other names for the condition include Mite, Itch Mite, Mange, Crusted Scabies, Norwegian Scabies, Sarcoptes scabies, or The Seven-Year Itch.