How to get rid of a scabies mite? - briefly
Apply a prescription 5 % permethrin cream or oral ivermectin as directed, then wash all bedding, clothing, and towels in hot water and dry on high heat, vacuum carpets and upholstered furniture, and repeat the treatment after 7–10 days to eradicate any remaining mites.
How to get rid of a scabies mite? - in detail
Eliminating the scabies organism requires a combination of topical medication, environmental decontamination, and personal hygiene measures.
A single application of a prescription scabicide—such as permethrin 5 % cream, sulfur ointment, or benzyl benzoate—should be spread over the entire body from the neck down, leaving it on for the recommended duration (usually 8–14 hours) before washing off. For infants and pregnant individuals, sulfur 6 % in petrolatum is preferred due to safety profile. If resistance is suspected, an oral agent like ivermectin (200 µg/kg) may be administered in two doses, spaced one week apart.
Environmental control focuses on eradicating dormant mites and eggs:
- Wash all clothing, bedding, and towels used within the previous 72 hours in hot water (≥ 50 °C) and dry on high heat for at least 20 minutes.
- Items that cannot be laundered should be sealed in airtight plastic bags for a minimum of seven days, as mites cannot survive beyond this period.
- Vacuum carpets, upholstered furniture, and mattresses thoroughly; discard vacuum bags immediately after use.
- Apply a 0.1 % benzyl benzoate spray to non-washable surfaces if infestation persists.
Personal measures include:
- Bathing daily with mild soap to remove excess skin debris that may harbor eggs.
- Avoiding skin-to-skin contact with untreated individuals until treatment completion.
- Informing close contacts (family, sexual partners, roommates) so they can receive prophylactic treatment, preventing reinfestation.
Follow‑up assessment should occur 2–4 weeks after therapy. Persistent lesions or new burrows warrant repeat treatment and evaluation for secondary bacterial infection, which may require antibiotics. Continuous adherence to medication instructions and environmental protocols ensures complete eradication of the parasite.