Scabies treatment involves killing the scabies mites, treating anyone who has been in close contact with the patient, and preventing the mites from returning. Three lotions often used to treat a scabies infestation are permethrin, lindane, and sulfur. Even after successful scabies treatment, a person is not immune to the condition and can become reinfested if exposed to the mites again.
An Introduction to Scabies Treatment
The goals of
scabies treatment are:
- Kill the scabies mites (Sarcoptes scabiei)
- Treat any family members who have been in close contact with the infected person
- Prevent the scabies from returning.
Both the patient and family members can be treated with the same medicine.
Medicine Used in Scabies Treatment
There are several lotions that can be used for scabies treatment. Common ones include:
- Permethrin (Elimite® cream)
- Lindane
- Sulfur.
Always follow the directions provided by your physician or the directions on the package insert. Apply lotion to a clean body from the neck down to the toes, and leave on overnight (8 hours). After 8 hours, take a bath or shower to wash off the lotion. A second scabies treatment of the body with the same lotion may be necessary 7 to 10 days later.
For people with
HIV or
Norwegian scabies, ivermectin, which is taken by mouth, may be given for scabies treatment.
Other Scabies Treatment Recommendations
It is important that all scabies eggs and mites be killed. So all clothes, bedding, and towels used by the infested person should be washed in hot water and dried in a hot dryer 2 days before scabies treatment begins. No special cleaning is necessary for coats, furniture, rugs, floors, and walls.
Scabies Treatment for Significant Others
Anyone who is diagnosed with scabies (as well as his or her sexual partners and those who have close, prolonged contact with the infested person) should receive scabies treatment. If your healthcare provider has instructed family members to be treated, everyone should receive scabies treatment at the same time to prevent another infestation.
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