Can Trying a Pillow in a Store Increase Scabies Infection Risk?

Will this cause a scabies infection?

Hello, doctor.
Yesterday, I visited a maternity and baby supplies store, and the staff enthusiastically suggested that I try their moon pillow.
They laid a mat on the floor and encouraged me to lie down and hug the moon pillow.
I felt embarrassed to refuse, thinking that as long as my skin didn't touch the floor, it would be fine.
However, after returning home, I regretted it.
What if the mat wasn't consistently used on the same side (I might have laid on a dirty side), or if neither the mat nor the pillow had been disinfected? Is there a chance that there could be scabies mites in them? After lying down in the store, I used a silver ion disinfectant spray all over my body multiple times.
Does this help reduce the risk of contracting scabies?

Ivy, 20~29 year old female. Ask Date: 2022/08/31

Dr. Wu Yuxin reply Dermatology

The chances are low, so there's no need to worry.
Just go home and take a good shower.

Reply Date: 2022/08/31

More Info

When considering the risk of scabies infection from trying out a pillow or cushion in a store, it’s important to understand how scabies is transmitted and the likelihood of encountering the mites in such a scenario.

Scabies is caused by the Sarcoptes scabiei mite, which burrows into the skin, leading to intense itching and a rash. The primary mode of transmission is through prolonged skin-to-skin contact with an infected person. It can also spread through sharing clothing, bedding, or towels with someone who has scabies. However, the mites do not survive long outside of human skin; they typically die within 48 to 72 hours when away from a host.

In your situation, trying out a pillow in a store does carry some risk, but it is relatively low. If the pillow or cushion has been used by someone with scabies, the mites could potentially be present on the surface. However, the likelihood of transmission from a brief encounter, such as lying on a pillow for a short time, is minimal. The mites would need to have direct contact with your skin for a prolonged period to establish an infection.

Regarding your concern about the cleanliness of the cushion or pillow, it is advisable for stores to maintain hygiene standards, especially in areas where customers may try out products. However, there is no guarantee that every item is sanitized after each use. If you are particularly concerned about hygiene, it may be wise to avoid trying out such items in the future or to ask the store staff about their cleaning protocols.

Using a silver ion disinfectant spray on your body after the encounter may provide a sense of security, but it is unlikely to significantly reduce the risk of scabies infection. While silver ions have antimicrobial properties, they are not specifically effective against scabies mites. The best prevention is to avoid direct contact with potentially contaminated surfaces and to wash your clothes and body thoroughly after such encounters.

In summary, while there is a theoretical risk of scabies transmission from trying out a pillow in a store, the actual risk is low, especially if the contact was brief. If you have no symptoms of scabies, such as itching or rash, there is likely no cause for concern. However, if you notice any unusual skin changes in the following weeks, it would be prudent to consult a healthcare provider for evaluation.
To further minimize any potential risk in the future, consider the following precautions:
1. Avoid Direct Contact: If possible, refrain from lying on or trying out items that come into direct contact with skin.

2. Inquire About Hygiene Practices: Don’t hesitate to ask store employees about their cleaning and sanitization practices for items that customers may try.

3. Personal Hygiene: Maintain good personal hygiene by washing your hands regularly and showering after visiting public places.

4. Monitor for Symptoms: Be vigilant for any signs of scabies, such as itching, especially in areas like the wrists, between fingers, and around the waist.

By following these guidelines, you can help protect yourself from potential infections while still enjoying your shopping experience.

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