Quick Answer
It is generally not recommended to take very hot showers if you have scabies. Lukewarm showers are preferable. Hot water can further irritate and inflame the skin, worsening the itching and discomfort caused by scabies.
What is Scabies?
Scabies is a contagious skin condition caused by microscopic mites called Sarcoptes scabiei. The female mites burrow into the top layer of skin and lay eggs there. This causes an allergic reaction and intense itchiness. The areas most commonly affected are between the fingers, wrists, elbows, armpits, thighs, genital area, waistline, and lower buttocks. The itching is often worse at night.
Scabies spreads quickly through direct, prolonged physical contact. It can spread easily among people living in crowded conditions. Scabies is not caused by poor hygiene, although good hygiene practices can help control outbreaks.
Should I Take Hot Showers if I Have Scabies?
Hot showers tend to be drying and irritating to the skin. Very hot water can strip away protective oils, disrupt the skin barrier, and worsen itching. Therefore, dermatologists generally advise against excessively hot showers if you have scabies.
Lukewarm water is preferable when bathing or showering to soothe itchy skin and avoid making scabies worse. Water temperature between 90-100°F is ideal. Hotter water above this range can inflame the skin and stimulate more histamine release, increasing itchiness.
Some tips for bathing with scabies:
- Take lukewarm showers or baths using mildly cleansing products.
- Avoid very hot water which can worsen itching and inflammation.
- Do not vigorously scrub affected areas which can further irritate the skin.
- Pat dry gently with a soft towel after bathing.
- Apply a soothing, hydrating moisturizer while skin is still damp.
While hot water provides temporary relief from itching, it ultimately makes the problem worse in the long run. Stick to lukewarm water temperatures for bathing until the scabies infestation has resolved.
Can Hot Water Kill Scabies?
Using very hot water alone cannot reliably kill all scabies mites or eggs. Temperatures of at least 130°F are required to inactivate scabies, which is dangerously hot for bathing or showering. Hot water can, however, help wash away dead skin cells and debris containing allergens.
Prescription medicated creams or lotions specifically designed to kill scabies are necessary along with thorough cleaning of clothes, bedding, and environment to fully eliminate a scabies infestation. Ivermectin tablets may also be prescribed in severe cases.
While hot water does not directly kill scabies mites, good hygiene can help reduce reinfestation risk. Gently washing the affected areas with an antibacterial soap and lukewarm water is recommended as part of the treatment regimen.
Tips for Relieving Itching from Scabies
Itching from scabies can be miserable, especially at night. Here are some tips to help soothe itchiness:
- Apply a cool compress to itchy areas for relief.
- Keep nails trimmed short to minimize skin damage from scratching.
- Wear light, smooth-textured clothing that does not rub or irritate the skin.
- Apply a soothing lotion containing colloidal oatmeal, menthol, pramoxine, or hydrocortisone to itchy skin after bathing.
- Take an oral antihistamine containing diphenhydramine or hydroxyzine to reduce itching.
- Try calamine lotion to help dry out blisters and reduce itching.
- Distract yourself with an activity to avoid focusing on the itch.
Anti-itch creams, oral antihistamines, emollients, and low-dose topical steroids can provide relief as scabies treatments take effect. See your doctor right away if itching is very severe.
Conclusion
While hot showers may temporarily relieve itching, dermatologists advise against very hot water if you have scabies. The excess heat can worsen inflammation, irritation, and itchiness. Lukewarm showers around 90-100°F are best when bathing to avoid making scabies worse. Hot water alone does not kill scabies mites – prescription medication is necessary to fully treat an infestation. See your doctor for proper diagnosis and treatment if you suspect you have scabies.