How can you get rid of a scabies mite? - briefly
Apply a prescription scabicide—typically 5 % permethrin cream—over the entire body, leave it on for 8‑10 hours, repeat after seven days, and simultaneously wash or seal all clothing, bedding, and towels at high temperature for at least 72 hours.
How can you get rid of a scabies mite? - in detail
Scabies infestations require a combination of pharmacologic therapy and environmental control to eradicate the parasite and prevent reinfestation.
The first step is to confirm the presence of the mite through clinical examination or microscopic identification of skin scrapings. Once diagnosed, the standard regimen involves applying a 5 % permethrin lotion to the entire body from the neck down, leaving it on for 8–14 hours before washing it off. In cases where topical treatment is contraindicated or ineffective, a single oral dose of ivermectin (200 µg/kg) is administered, with a repeat dose after one week to cover newly hatched mites.
Environmental measures are essential because mites survive off the host for up to 72 hours. All clothing, bedding, and towels used within the previous three days must be laundered in hot water (≥50 °C) and dried on a high‑heat setting. Items that cannot be washed should be sealed in plastic bags for at least a week. Vacuuming carpets, upholstered furniture, and mattresses removes any detached organisms; discard the vacuum bag or clean the canister immediately after use.
Treat all close contacts simultaneously, even if they are asymptomatic, to interrupt transmission. For infants, pregnant women, or immunocompromised patients, consult a healthcare professional for dosage adjustments and alternative agents such as benzyl benzoate or sulfur ointment.
Follow‑up evaluation should occur 2–4 weeks after treatment. Persistent itching may indicate residual inflammation rather than ongoing infestation; however, if new burrows appear, a second therapeutic cycle is warranted.
Key actions
- Apply permethrin 5 % cream to entire skin surface; repeat after 7 days.
- Administer oral ivermectin 200 µg/kg; repeat after 7 days if needed.
- Wash all garments, linens, and towels in hot water; dry on high heat.
- Vacuum and seal non‑washable items for ≥7 days.
- Treat household members and close contacts concurrently.
- Re‑assess after 2–4 weeks; initiate additional treatment if signs persist.
Adhering to this protocol eliminates the mite population, resolves cutaneous lesions, and minimizes the risk of recurrence.