Human itch mites are eradicated by applying a pesticide on the skin. The same ointment which is used for treatment of head lice (Nix) with permethrin is applied on mites. It is available over the counter at pharmacies.
First, wash the body. It is logical that a coating of sebum will counteract the permethrin’s penetration into the burrows. Therefore, washing the body with soap and water is a good idea. Visible burrows are scrubbed lightly with a nail brush in order to – if possible – open the burrows. It is also important to dry the body carefully after washing.
From the neck down. The control product is applied all over the body from the neck down. Be especially thorough when applying the product on fingers, nipples, armpits, the navel, genitals and the rectum. The product is applied in a thin layer. All family members should be treated simultaneously. Be aware that mites in the hair and face may infect small children, and therefore, these must also be treated. Allow the product to sit for 24 hours and avoid washing the hands during that time. If the hands are washed, the product must be reapplied immediately. After 24 hours, you can wash as normally and change clothes and bedding.
Clothes and the surrounding environment. During the 24 hours, when the itch mite control product is on the body, you cannot be infected by itch mites. When the 24 hours are up, any mites on clothes and in the surrounding environment will be dead or unable to infect. Therefore, the washing of clothing and bed linen is not a necessary part of the itch mite control. If you feel most comfortable by washing your clothes and bed linen, you should of course do it anyway. In this case, it is helpful to know that washing the clothes for at least 10 minutes in 50 °C hot water will do. Clothes, leather gloves, etc. which do not tolerate warm water, can be put in the freezer for a day. Vacuuming and other cleaning of the house does not hurt.
Continued itching. One treatment should be enough. Itching, now caused by dead mites in the skin, may continue for up to three weeks. If it continues to itch after three weeks, there are three possibilities.
1You may have been infected again. 2The treatment has been ineffective or 3. There may be other causes of the itchy skin. Excessive use of the control products may cause skin irritation. In cases of severe or prolonged itching, you can apply itch relievers or treat with hydrocortisone, which can be prescribed by your doctor. In cases of Norwegian scabies, a dermatologist may choose to supplement the treatment with ivermectin, taken in pill form
"Pests in House and Home"
"Bed Bugs - Bites, Stings and Itches"
"Food Pests"
"Husets dyreliv" (Insects Around the House - Only danish)
"Skadedyr i træ" (Timber Pests - Only danish)
"Stuefluen" (Common Housefly - Only danish)