Which management step is NOT recommended for scabies?

Which management step is NOT recommended for scabies?

• A. Put nonwashable items in a plastic bag and store for 1 week
• B. Prescribe topical antifungal applications
• C. Prescribe topical antiparasitics
• D. Prescribe topical steroids and/or oral antihistamines for pruritus

Answer: (B)

The main idea is using the right treatment to eradicate the infestation and prevent spread. Scabies is caused by an actual mite, so therapy needs to kill the mites or eggs with a scabicide or an oral antiparasitic. Topical antifungal medications do not affect mites or their eggs, so they do not treat scabies. Bagging nonwashable items for about a week helps prevent transmission from objects that mites can survive on off the skin, giving the mites time to die without a human host. Prescribing topical antiparasitics directly targets the infestation. Using topical steroids or oral antihistamines helps manage itching and rash while the infestation is being treated. In short, the step that isn’t appropriate is prescribing topical antifungals, since they don’t eradicate scabies.

The main idea is using the right treatment to eradicate the infestation and prevent spread. Scabies is caused by an actual mite, so therapy needs to kill the mites or eggs with a scabicide or an oral antiparasitic. Topical antifungal medications do not affect mites or their eggs, so they do not treat scabies.

Bagging nonwashable items for about a week helps prevent transmission from objects that mites can survive on off the skin, giving the mites time to die without a human host. Prescribing topical antiparasitics directly targets the infestation. Using topical steroids or oral antihistamines helps manage itching and rash while the infestation is being treated. In short, the step that isn’t appropriate is prescribing topical antifungals, since they don’t eradicate scabies.