What kills a skin mite? - briefly
Topical scabicides like 5 % permethrin cream, sulfur ointment, or ivermectin lotion, as well as oral ivermectin, reliably eradicate the parasite. Thorough laundering of linens and clothing in hot water followed by high‑heat drying prevents re‑infestation.
What kills a skin mite? - in detail
Topical scabicides are the primary agents for eradicating the causative mite. Permethrin 5 % cream applied to the entire body from neck to toe, left for 8–14 hours and then washed off, achieves > 95 % cure rates. Benzyl benzoate 25 % lotion, applied similarly, provides an alternative for patients intolerant to permethrin. Sulfur ointment (5–10 %) is effective but requires nightly application for three consecutive nights and may cause skin irritation.
Oral ivermectin, 200 µg/kg, given as a single dose and repeated after 1–2 weeks, is useful for extensive infestations, crusted disease, or when topical therapy fails. Ivermectin’s mechanism involves binding to glutamate‑gated chloride channels, leading to paralysis and death of the parasite.
Environmental decontamination reduces reinfestation. Wash all clothing, bedding, and towels 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, as the mite cannot survive beyond three days off the host.
Adjunctive measures support treatment success. Antihistamines or low‑potency corticosteroid creams alleviate secondary itching. Regular inspection of close contacts and simultaneous treatment of household members prevent cross‑contamination.
In summary, effective eradication relies on:
- 5 % permethrin cream or 25 % benzyl benzoate lotion (topical)
- 5–10 % sulfur ointment (alternative topical)
- Oral ivermectin (systemic option)
- Hot laundering and heat‑drying of textiles
- Isolation of non‑washable items for ≥ 72 hours
- Concurrent treatment of contacts and symptomatic relief
These interventions, applied correctly, eliminate the mite and halt transmission.