How should a scabies mite on the body be treated? - briefly
Apply a prescription scabicide such as 5 % permethrin cream to the entire body, leave it on for 8–14 hours, then wash off and repeat after 7 days; for severe or resistant cases, a single dose of oral ivermectin (200 µg/kg) may be added.
How should a scabies mite on the body be treated? - in detail
Effective management of a scabies infestation requires a combination of pharmacologic therapy, hygiene measures, and follow‑up evaluation.
First‑line medication is a topical scabicide applied to the entire body from the neck down, extending to the fingertips and toe nails. Permethrin 5 % cream is the agent of choice; it should be left on the skin for 8–14 hours before washing off. For infants and pregnant women, the same preparation is safe when used according to instructions. An alternative is benzyl benzoate 25 % lotion, applied twice with a 24‑hour interval. In cases of extensive disease or intolerance to topical agents, oral ivermectin (200 µg/kg) is administered as a single dose, repeated after 7 days.
Adjunctive steps include:
- Washing all clothing, bedding, and towels used in the preceding 72 hours in hot water (≥ 50 °C) and drying on high heat.
- Isolating personal items that cannot be laundered (e.g., stuffed toys) in a sealed plastic bag for at least 72 hours.
- Treating household contacts simultaneously, even if asymptomatic, to prevent reinfestation.
Symptomatic relief can be achieved with antihistamines for pruritus and low‑potency topical corticosteroids to reduce inflammation, but these do not eradicate the mite.
A follow‑up visit is recommended 2–4 weeks after treatment completion to assess resolution of lesions and confirm absence of new burrows. Persistent itching after this period may indicate secondary infection or post‑scabies itch, which should be managed accordingly.
In summary, the protocol consists of a licensed scabicidal cream applied once, a possible second dose or oral ivermectin for resistant cases, rigorous laundering of personal items, concurrent treatment of close contacts, and scheduled reassessment.