How to Treat Scabies

Scabies is a skin condition caused by tiny mites that burrow into your skin. It causes intense itching, especially at night. The good news is that scabies can be treated effectively with prescription medications.

Prescription Treatments

You cannot treat scabies with over-the-counter products. You need a prescription from your doctor. The most common treatments include:

Permethrin cream 5% is the most common treatment. Apply it to your entire body from the neck down. Leave it on for 8 to 14 hours, then wash it off. You may need a second treatment one week later. This cream is safe for adults, pregnant women, and children 2 months and older.

Ivermectin pills are sometimes prescribed instead of or with creams. You take the pills with food. Most people need two doses, taken 7 to 14 days apart. Ivermectin is often used for people with weak immune systems or severe cases.

Treating Everyone at Home

Because scabies spreads easily through close contact, everyone in your household should be treated at the same time. This prevents the mites from spreading back and forth between family members.

Cleaning Your Home

To kill mites and prevent reinfection, wash all bedding, towels, and clothes used in the past 3 days. Use hot water and dry on high heat. Items that cannot be washed should be sealed in a plastic bag for at least 72 hours. Mites cannot survive without a human host for more than a few days.

Managing the Itch

Itching may continue for 2 to 4 weeks after treatment, even after all mites are dead. This is because your body is still reacting to the mites. To ease itching, try cool baths, calamine lotion, or antihistamines recommended by your doctor.

When to See Your Doctor Again

Contact your doctor if itching continues after 4 weeks or if you see new burrows or rashes. You may need another round of treatment. Most people can return to work or school the day after their first treatment.