How do you kill a scabies mite? - briefly
Apply a topical scabicide such as 5 % permethrin cream to the whole body, leave it on for 8–14 hours, then wash it off; alternatively, a single oral dose of ivermectin (200 µg/kg) effectively eradicates the mite, especially in resistant cases.
How do you kill a scabies mite? - in detail
Eliminating the organism responsible for scabies requires a combination of pharmacologic treatment and environmental control.
Topical agents applied to the entire body from the neck down are the first line. Permethrin 5 % cream remains the most widely used; a single overnight application, repeated after 7–10 days, eradicates the majority of mites and their eggs. Benzyl benzoate 25 % lotion, applied in the same schedule, offers an alternative where permethrin is unavailable. Crotamiton 10 % cream and sulfur ointment (5–10 %) are less potent but useful for infants, pregnant women, or individuals with hypersensitivity to synthetic chemicals.
Oral ivermectin provides a systemic option, especially for extensive infestation or when topical therapy fails. The standard dose is 200 µg/kg taken on day 1 and repeated on day 8; a third dose may be required for severe cases. Ivermectin is contraindicated in children under 15 kg and in pregnancy.
Environmental decontamination prevents reinfestation. Items that cannot be washed should be sealed in plastic bags for at least 72 hours, as mites cannot survive beyond three days off a host. Washable fabrics—including bedding, clothing, towels, and curtains—must be laundered in water ≥50 °C and dried on a hot cycle. Non‑washable surfaces (mattresses, sofas) should be vacuumed thoroughly and, if possible, exposed to steam heat.
A concise protocol:
- Apply permethrin 5 % cream to the entire body, leave for 8–14 hours, then wash off.
- Repeat the application after 7–10 days.
- If topical treatment is unsuitable, give oral ivermectin 200 µg/kg on days 1 and 8.
- Wash all linens and clothing at ≥50 °C; dry on high heat.
- Bag or discard items that cannot be laundered; keep sealed for 72 hours.
- Vacuum upholstered furniture and carpets; consider steam cleaning.
- Treat close contacts simultaneously, even if asymptomatic.
Adherence to the two‑dose schedule and strict environmental measures reduces the likelihood of treatment failure. Monitoring for persistent itching beyond two weeks may indicate secondary infection rather than ongoing infestation; in such cases, evaluate for bacterial superinfection and manage accordingly.