Scabies

(ska’-be-eez). The itch; a contagious skin disease due to a parasitic insect. The patient should be well washed with soap and water, and allowed to soak in a bath; sulphur ointment should then be thoroughly well rubbed in, except on the head and face; or a sulphur bath may be ordered (four ounces of sulphide of pota ium to thirty gallons of warm water, in a porcelain bath), in which the patient should be allowed to soak for twenty minutes, and well scrubbed. Sometimes the use of sulphur produces eczema. Disinfect (or burn) all the clothing; be very careful not to let the disease spread. Vaseline will relieve the sorene caused by scratching. — s. 137 —