When should you treat scabies empirically?

Abstract

Empirically treat patients when they have pruritus and lesions typical of scabies in at least 2 places—even if there is no known household contact diagnosed with scabies, and even if the diagnosis cannot be confirmed by light microscopy (strength of recommendation [SOR]: B, based on a single large cohort study). Also give empiric treatment to all sexual and household contacts of anyone diagnosed with scabies (SOR: C, based on expert opinion).