Scabies Treatment: What Works and How to Use It

If you’re itching all over and see tiny bumps, scabies could be the culprit. The mite that causes it spreads fast, but the good news is that proven medicines can clear it in a week or two. Below you’ll find the most common drugs, quick how‑to steps, and practical tips to stop it from coming back.

Common Medicines for Scabies

The first‑line treatment in the UK is 5% permethrin cream. You squeeze a thin layer over your whole body, from neck down, leave it on for 8‑14 hours (usually overnight), then wash it off. One application often does the trick, but a second round after a week can catch any missed mites.

If permethrin isn’t suitable—say you’re allergic or the cream didn’t work—your doctor may prescribe ivermectin tablets. The standard dose is 200 µg per kilogram of body weight, taken as a single tablet, then repeated after 7‑10 days. Ivermectin is especially handy for big families or for people who can’t use creams on sensitive skin.

For infants under 2 months or pregnant women, the NHS advises using a milder lotion called crotamiton 10%. It’s less potent than permethrin, so you may need a second course, but it’s safe for these groups.

Never use over‑the‑counter lice treatments on scabies—they don’t kill the mite and can make things worse. Always follow the exact dosage and timing your pharmacist or doctor gives you.

Practical Steps to Beat Scabies at Home

Medicine alone won’t stop re‑infection. Wash all clothing, towels, and bed linen in hot water (at least 60 °C) and dry them on a hot cycle. Items that can’t be washed—like stuffed toys—should be sealed in a plastic bag for a week to starve any hidden mites.

Vacuum your home thoroughly, especially carpets and upholstered furniture. You don’t need a professional fumigation, just a good vacuum and a few minutes of scraping any dust from floors.

Everyone in the household should treat at the same time, even if they don’t have symptoms yet. Scabies spreads through skin‑to‑skin contact, so a single untreated person can re‑seed the infestation.

If itching continues after treatment, it’s likely a reaction to dead mites rather than an ongoing infection. A mild antihistamine or a corticosteroid cream can calm the skin, but don’t redo the scabies medicine without checking a GP.

Watch for signs that need medical help: a rash that spreads rapidly, severe swelling, or a fever. These could mean a secondary infection or a different skin condition.

In short, the key to beating scabies is correct medication, thorough cleaning, and treating everyone at once. Follow the instructions, keep your home clean, and you’ll be back to normal in about two weeks.