How to Kill Scabies
A scabies infestation causes itching and discomfort. An eight-legged microscopic mite called Sarcoptes scabiei burrows into skin and reproduces, creating an allergic reaction in the body from its eggs and waste. Scabies pass from person to person in close contact and sometimes in shared clothes or linens. Killing the scabies mites treats the infection, but the patient could continue to itch for several weeks until the body eliminates all of the mites' effects.
Things You'll Need
- Permethrin or crotamiton cream or ointment
- Oral antihistamine
- Calamine lotion
- Cool water
Instructions
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See a doctor for a diagnosis of scabies and to obtain a prescription for permethrin or crotamiton cream. Take the prescription to your regular pharmacy to have it filled.
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Apply permethrin or crotamiton cream or ointment as prescribed over your entire body from the neck down. Leave the cream or ointment on for eight hours or more. The prescription cream or ointment kills the scabies during this one eight-hour application.
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Take oral over-the-counter antihistamines such as diphenhydramine according to package directions. Oral antihistamines alleviate the itching caused by scabies after the treatment has killed them.
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Apply calamine lotion as needed after the treatment to alleviate itching and irritation. Bathe in cool water or apply cool compresses to soothe skin.
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Wash all clothing, bedding and linens used by the infected person in hot water and dry on high heat in the dryer to prevent reinfection. Dry clean any textile items not suitable for the washer and dryer. Isolate any items not able to be washed away from human contact for at least one week. Scabies cannot live without human contact, so they will die of starvation.
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Tips & Warnings
Scabies pass from person to person through close contact. Let friends and family know about any scabies infestations so they can seek treatment early. Avoid close contact with other people during a scabies infection. Return to regular activities after treatment.
Some scabies infections resist topical treatment. See a doctor if your scabies symptoms worsen after treatment or do not go away within a couple of weeks after treatment. A doctor may prescribe oral medications to kill the scabies.
