Scabies Medication: What Works and How to Use It

Scabies is caused by tiny mites that burrow under your skin, leading to intense itching and rash. If you’re dealing with scabies, knowing the right medication to treat it is key. The goal is to kill these mites quickly and prevent them from spreading to others.

Most doctors recommend topical creams like permethrin 5% as a first choice. This cream kills scabies mites and their eggs. You usually apply it all over your body from the neck down and leave it on for about 8 to 14 hours before washing it off. It's important to follow your doctor’s instructions carefully and repeat treatment if told, to make sure all mites are gone.

Alternative Medications

If creams aren’t an option or don’t work well, oral medication like ivermectin is another effective choice. Ivermectin is a pill that kills scabies mites from inside your body. It’s often used for people who have widespread or hard-to-treat scabies. But since it’s a prescription that requires guidance from a healthcare provider, don’t just buy it online without a proper prescription. Ensuring you get the real thing from a trusted pharmacy helps avoid risks.

Over-the-counter products usually won’t cure scabies since the mites live under the skin and need stronger treatments. Besides medication, washing bedding, clothes, and towels in hot water is necessary to stop reinfection. It’s also a good idea to treat everyone in your household at the same time, even if they don’t have symptoms, because scabies can spread easily.

What to Expect During and After Treatment

After treatment, the itching might last a few weeks because your skin reacts to the dead mites. This doesn’t mean the treatment failed. Using soothing lotions or antihistamines can help with itching during this time. If symptoms don’t improve after 2 to 4 weeks, or if you see new burrows or rash, check back with your doctor for possible retreatment.

Remember, starting scabies medication early and following directions is the best way to get rid of those pesky mites fast. Don’t hesitate to ask your healthcare provider any questions about the medicines or extra steps you can take to protect yourself and your family.