How to get rid of scabies mites on the scalp? - briefly
Apply a prescription scabicidal cream (e.g., 5 % permethrin) to the entire scalp, leave it on for the recommended duration, and repeat the treatment after 7–10 days; concurrently wash all bedding, clothing, and personal items in hot water. Maintain strict hygiene and avoid sharing hair accessories to prevent re‑infestation.
How to get rid of scabies mites on the scalp? - in detail
Scabies infestation on the scalp requires a coordinated approach that combines pharmacologic therapy, personal hygiene, and environmental decontamination.
The first step is accurate diagnosis. A dermatologist confirms the presence of Sarcoptes scabiei by microscopic examination of skin scrapings taken from affected areas. Once confirmed, treatment proceeds promptly.
Pharmacologic measures
- Topical scabicides – Apply permethrin 5 % cream to the entire scalp, covering hair and skin. Leave on for 8–14 hours, then wash off. Repeat after 7 days to eliminate newly hatched mites.
- Alternative topicals – Benzyl benzoate 25 % lotion or sulfur 5–10 % ointment may be used when permethrin is contraindicated. Apply according to manufacturer instructions, ensuring thorough coverage of hair shafts.
- Oral ivermectin – Single dose of 200 µg/kg body weight, repeated after 7 days, is effective for extensive scalp involvement or when topical treatment fails. Monitor for adverse reactions, especially in children under 15 kg or pregnant women.
Adjunctive care
- Antihistamines – Reduce itching and prevent excoriation.
- Topical corticosteroids – Short courses can alleviate inflammatory rash but do not eradicate mites.
Hygiene and environmental control
- Wash all bedding, towels, and clothing used in the previous 72 hours at ≥60 °C; dry on high heat for at least 30 minutes.
- Seal items that cannot be washed in a sealed plastic bag for 7 days to starve remaining mites.
- Vacuum carpets, upholstered furniture, and car seats; discard vacuum bags afterward.
- Advise close contacts to undergo prophylactic treatment, even if asymptomatic, to prevent reinfestation.
Follow‑up
- Re‑examine the scalp 2 weeks after the final treatment dose. Absence of new burrows and resolution of lesions indicate successful eradication.
- Persistent pruritus may continue for several weeks; educate the patient that this does not signify treatment failure.
By integrating systemic or topical scabicidal agents with strict cleaning protocols and monitoring, the scalp infestation can be fully eliminated.