How can a scabies mite be eliminated? - briefly
Effective eradication requires a prescription‑strength scabicide such as permethrin 5 % applied to the entire body for the recommended duration, with clothing and bedding washed at ≥50 °C. Additionally, thorough vacuuming and sealing of personal items for one week prevents re‑infestation.
How can a scabies mite be eliminated? - in detail
Effective eradication of Sarcoptes scabiei requires a combination of pharmacological and environmental measures.
Topical agents applied to the entire body surface for the recommended duration constitute the primary intervention. Preferred preparations include permethrin 5 % cream, applied from the neck down and left on for eight to fourteen hours before washing. Sulfur ointment (5–10 %) serves as an alternative for infants and pregnant individuals, with a similar exposure period.
Systemic therapy with oral ivermectin provides a convenient option, especially for extensive infestations or when topical treatment fails. The standard regimen involves a dose of 200 µg/kg administered on day 1 and repeated after 7–14 days to eliminate newly hatched mites.
Environmental decontamination complements drug therapy. All clothing, bedding, and towels used within the preceding three days must be laundered in hot water (minimum 50 °C) and dried on a high‑heat setting. Items that cannot be washed should be sealed in plastic bags for at least 72 hours, a period sufficient to kill offstage mites. Vacuuming carpets, upholstered furniture, and mattresses removes detached organisms; discarded vacuum bags require sealed disposal.
Close contacts require simultaneous prophylactic treatment to prevent reinfestation. Household members, sexual partners, and individuals sharing sleeping arrangements should receive the same topical or oral regimen, regardless of symptom presence.
Follow‑up examination after completion of therapy confirms resolution. Persistent lesions may indicate secondary infection or resistant mite strains; in such cases, repeat dosing or alternative agents such as benzyl benzoate or crotamiton may be considered.
Overall, a coordinated approach—adequate pharmacologic dosing, thorough laundering and isolation of personal items, and treatment of all exposed persons—ensures complete elimination of the mite population.