How Can Scabies Be Treated?

Hello Dear. Scabies treatment involves eliminating the infestation with medications. Several creams and lotions are available with a doctor s prescription. You usually apply the medication over all your body, from your neck down, and leave the medication on for at least eight hours. A second treatment is needed if new burrows and rash appear. Because scabies spreads so easily, your doctor will likely recommend treatment for all household members and other close contacts, even if they show no signs of scabies infestation. Medications commonly prescribed for scabies include: 1. Permethrin cream, 5 percent (Elimite). Permethrin is a topical cream that contains chemicals that kill scabies mites and their eggs. It is generally considered safe for adults, pregnant women, and children ages 2 months and older. This medicine is not recommended for nursing mothers. Lindane lotion. This medication — also a chemical treatment — is recommended only for people who can t tolerate other approved treatments, or for whom other treatments didn t work. 2. Crotamiton (Eurax). This medication is available as a cream or a lotion. It s applied once a day for two days. This medication isn t recommended for children or for women who are pregnant or nursing. Frequent treatment failure has been reported with crotamiton. 3. Ivermectin (Stromectol). Doctors may prescribe this oral medication for people with altered immune systems, for people who have crusted scabies, or for people who don t respond to the prescription lotions and creams. Although these medications kill the mites promptly, you may find that the itching doesn t stop entirely for several weeks. Doctors may prescribe other topical medications, such as sulfur compounded in petrolatum, for people who don t respond to or can t use these medications. Itching may persist for some time after you apply medication to kill the mites. These steps may help you find relief from itching: 1. Cool and soak your skin. Soaking in cool water or applying a cool, wet washcloth to irritated areas of your skin may minimize itching. 2. Apply soothing lotion. Calamine lotion, available without a prescription, can effectively relieve the pain and itching of minor skin irritations. 3. Take antihistamines. At your doctor s suggestion, you may find that over-the-counter antihistamines relieve the allergic symptoms caused by scabies. Hope i have answered your question. Feel free to contact me if you have any more questions. I ll be glad to help you. All the best With warm regards Dr Sanjay Kini