For body lice, wash with a pesticide preparation, then wash all clothing and linen in very hot water and dry it on the hot cycle. They cause itching and sometimes hives. Clothing and linen should then be washed in very hot water and dried on the hot cycle. Severe itching appears after 3 to 4 weeks and is at its worst just after going to bed. The characteristic rash is commonly found between the fingers, around the wrists, on the elbows, navel, nipples, lower abdomen, and in the genital area.
Some people become sensitized to the mite and have hives, scaling, or other skin changes as well.
It is not uncommon to see secondary skin infections and boils with scabies. The whole body must be treated for the cure to be effective. Clothing and linen must be washed in very hot water, as with crabs. Household members and people with whom sexual contact has been made should be treated even if they have no visible symptoms. Itching may continue for 1 to 2 weeks after successful eradication of the mite.