Question: I have a friend who believes that they have had scabies for 30 years. My friend believes they picked up the bug around age 10 on a trip to Columbia, South XXXXXXX My friends parents did not get it treated. I was in an intimate relationship with this friend and slept in the same bed for about 5 years. I have never had the symptoms of a scabies infestation. My friend has been filling the bathtub with hot water and a gallon of bleach and soaking until the pain and burning is too much to bear. My friend also has a family member who is a gastroenterologist, my friend talked the physician into prescribing Permetherin cream but it has not worked. My friend also believes that the mites go dormant at times and flare up at others. I am a nurse and do not believe this is possible however my friend has done "extensive research" and convinced their self they have scabies. Any information would be very helpful.

Thank you very much for your quick reply, I am very concerned about the "bleach baths". I just don't know what to tell my friend. I am so worried. I have seen the "rash", I honestly believe it is a food allergy. besides seeing a doctor what can I do to help my friend?