Treatment usually requires application of a cream or lotion which is repeated after 7 days. As mites can live for a day on clothing and bed linen, clothes and sheets should be washed on a hot cycle on the day of treatment. Mattresses and pillows should be put out in the sun for 2 or 3 hours. Blankets can be put in a sealed bag for 3 days, after which time any mites will have died. It is common for the itch to persist for several weeks after treatment.
Antihistamines can help to reduce the itch and prevent scratching.
Do not overtreat as the skin may become irritated. If not treated, scabies causes ongoing irritation. Sores may become infected. It also remains infectious to other people. The mite does not transmit any other infectious disease.