Scabies makes your skin itch like crazy because tiny mites burrow under the surface. The good news is you can kill them fast with the right treatment. Below you’ll find the medicines that actually work, how to apply them, and the everyday steps that stop the itch from coming back.
Most doctors prescribe a cream or lotion that contains permethrin 5%. You put a thin layer on clean, dry skin from neck down (or all over if a baby). Leave it on for 8‑12 hours, usually overnight, then wash it off. One treatment often clears the infestation; a second dose a week later catches any mites that survived.
If permethrin isn’t an option, ivermectin tablets are another proven choice. You take the pill with water, then repeat the dose after seven days. Ivermectin works well for people who can’t use creams, like those with severe skin irritation.
Older products like benzyl benzoate or sulfur ointment still appear in some pharmacies. They’re less popular because they can cause more skin irritation, but they do work when used correctly. Follow the package directions closely and avoid using them on broken skin.
Medicine alone won’t stop scabies if you keep re‑exposing yourself. Wash all clothing, bedding, and towels in hot water (at least 50°C/122°F) and dry them on high heat. Items you can’t wash, like shoes, should be sealed in a plastic bag for at least 72 hours; the mites can’t survive that long without a host.
Give your family members a quick check. Even if they don’t feel itchy, they can still carry mites and pass them back. A single application of permethrin on everyone in the household is often recommended to prevent a cycle of re‑infection.
Try soothing the itch while the medication works. Over‑the‑counter antihistamines or a cool oatmeal bath can calm skin without harming the treatment. Avoid scratching, because broken skin can lead to secondary infections.
If the rash doesn’t improve after two weeks, or if it spreads to the face, scalp, or nails, see a doctor. Sometimes a different prescription or a stronger dose is needed, especially for people with weakened immune systems.
Bottom line: treat scabies fast with permethrin or ivermectin, clean everything that touched your skin, and check your close contacts. Follow these steps and you’ll be back to comfortable skin in a week or two.