Scabies medication, like permethrin and ivermectin, work by paralyzing the mites that cause scabies which leads to their death. These can be prescribed by your doctor to relieve symptoms like intense itching and redness.
Scabies is a skin infection that is caused by Sarcoptes scabiei mites. It is transmitted through direct contact with the skin, clothing or other laundry of people infected with scabies. Read more about scabies and how it is transmitted.
Scabies medications typically require a prescription from your doctor, and can be purchased at a pharmacy. Dosing and treatment duration for scabies will depend on your doctor's recommendation.
Medication list
The main scabies medications that your doctor may prescribe include:
1. Permethrin 5% cream
Permethrin is topical cream that is prescribed for the treatment of scabies. It works by paralyzing the mites at the nerve cell membrane and killing them, and is the preferred first-line treatment for scabies treatment in the USA.
How to use: Apply the permethrin lotion in a single dose to clean and dry skin from the neck down, lightly massaging the entire body from the neck to the soles of the feet. Leave it on for 8 to 12 hours, then rinse off. A second application can be recommended a week later, as needed.
2. Ivermectin
Ivermectin is an oral tablet that is often prescribed for those who are unable to use the topical treatment, or in cases of crusted scabies, which is a very severe and contagious form of scabies.
Although it is not FDA-approved specifically for the treatment of scabies, it is indicated by the World Health Organization for scabies treatment and is on the essential medications list.
How to use: ivermectin is taken orally with a glass of water in a single dose, 1 hour before or 2 hours after a meal. A second dose is typically repeated 1 to 2 weeks later.
3. Sulfur ointment (5 to 10%)
This topical ointment is typically prescribed as it kills scabies mites on contact and is particularly safe for use in younger children and pregnant or breastfeeding women.
Although it is not FDA-approved specifically for the treatment of scabies, it remains widely used when other medications are not appropriate for the patient.
How to use: Apply the sulfur ointment from the neck down overnight for several consecutive nights, as advised by your doctor.
4. Crotamiton 10% cream or lotion
This topical medication contains properties that are scabicidal, however it is not as prescribed as often as permethrin given its reduced efficacy.
How to use: Apply crotamiton from the neck down once a day for two to five days, as prescribed by your doctor.
Home remedies
A great home remedy for treating scabies is taking a hot bath, 2 to 3 times day, with a mild shampoo and soap.
You can also massage warm olive oil to soothe itchy skin, or take a bath in chamomile tea. Check-out other home remedies for scabies that you can prepare at home.
Home remedies can help relieve symptoms and complement medical treatment, but should not be used alone to cure scabies, nor should they be used when you have medicated ointments on your skin.