How to get rid of the scabies mite in a person? - briefly
Apply a prescription scabicidal cream such as 5 % permethrin to the entire body, leave it on for the recommended duration, and repeat the application after seven days; simultaneously wash all clothing, bedding, and towels at ≥60 °C or seal them for a week. Ensure thorough cleaning of the environment to prevent re‑infestation.
How to get rid of the scabies mite in a person? - in detail
Scabies infestation requires prompt eradication to prevent secondary infection and transmission. Diagnosis is confirmed by identifying burrows, papules, or mites on skin scrapings examined under microscopy. Once confirmed, treatment proceeds in two parallel streams: pharmacologic therapy for the host and environmental decontamination.
Pharmacologic measures
- Apply a 5 % permethrin cream to the entire body from neck to toes, leaving it on for 8–14 hours before washing; repeat after one week to eliminate newly hatched mites.
- For infants or pregnant individuals, 10 % sulfur ointment applied nightly for three consecutive nights offers a safe alternative.
- Oral ivermectin, 200 µg/kg as a single dose, may be used when topical agents are contraindicated or in cases of crusted scabies; a second dose after 7 days improves efficacy.
- Antihistamines or low‑dose corticosteroids can relieve intense itching, but they do not affect the parasite.
Environmental control
- 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 plastic bags for a minimum of 72 hours, a period sufficient for mite death.
- Vacuum carpets and upholstered furniture thoroughly; discard vacuum bags immediately.
- Treat household members simultaneously, even if asymptomatic, to interrupt the transmission cycle.
Follow‑up
- Re‑examine the patient 2–4 weeks after treatment; persistent lesions may indicate treatment failure or secondary infection.
- Counsel on avoiding close skin‑to‑skin contact with untreated individuals until the therapeutic regimen is completed.
Combining appropriate medication with rigorous hygiene eliminates the mite, resolves cutaneous symptoms, and prevents recurrence.