Scabiestreatment typically involves a topical or oral medication, such as Permethrin cream or Ivermectin.
These medicines kill scabies mites and their eggs.
Verywell / Maritsa Patrinos
Prescriptions
Several prescription treatments are available and approved for treatment of scabies infection.
Verywell / Maritsa Patrinos
These treatments help clear up the scabies rash and reduce the risk of complications.
Scabies is treated with either topical pesticide creams or an oral medication.
It is imperative that you take your medication as prescribed, finishing the full course of treatment.
Get our printable guide for your next doctor’s appointment to help you ask the right questions.
The parasite is not considered dead until treatment is complete.
Get our printable guide for your next doctor’s appointment to help you ask the right questions.
Lotions
Creams and lotions can help soothe your skin as your scabies clears up.
Anti-itch Medication
you’re able to take oral (by mouth) pills to reduce your itchiness.
Avoid Scratching
Try not to scratch your skin.
Scratching may cause wounds and open sores that can become infected by bacteria and lead to further problems.
That, however, is often easier said than done (especially for children).
CAM Therapies
There are no alternative therapies recommended for the treatment of scabies.
Studies show that tea tree oil may show promise, but its effectiveness still needs further study.
It’s always recommended to repeat the treatment after one week.
Before putting fresh sheets on a bed that may have had mites, vacuum the mattress thoroughly.
The mites will continue to reproduce, which will lead to continueditching, rash, and other symptoms.
After treatment, itching can linger for up to a month.
If it’s really uncomfortable, atopical steroidor oralglucocorticoidmay be helpful.
Itching that gets worse or persists beyond four weeks may mean a reinfection.
Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.
Scabies.Clinical care of scabies.
Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.Treatment of scabies.
American Academy of Dermatology.Scabies: tips for managing.
Am J Trop Med Hyg.
2016;94(2):258-266. doi:10.4269/ajtmh.14-0515
UpToDate.Scabies (Beyond the Basics).
Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.Preventing scabies.
University of Michigan Health.Scabies.
Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.Clinical care of scabies.
