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3.8 Minute

25-07-2024 Team Medicover general-medicine

Written by Medicover Team and Medically Reviewed by Dr Anusha Nagral Reddy, Dermatologist

Top 5 Scabies Medications for Relief

Scabies, a highly contagious skin condition caused by tiny mites that burrow into the skin, can be incredibly uncomfortable due to the intense itching and rash. However, there's good news, effective scabies treatment options are available to help you get relief quickly.

In this article, we'll explore the top 5 medicines for scabies, both topical and oral, their possible side effects, and how suitable they are for different age groups. If you're looking for the most effective scabies medicine, you're in the right place.

Understanding Scabies Treatment

Before diving into the specific medications, it's important to understand how scabies treatment works. Medications used to treat scabies, known as scabicides, are designed to eliminate the mites and their eggs.

Treatment generally involves applying topical creams from the neck down and leaving them on for several hours. In more severe cases, effective scabies tablets may be prescribed to treat the condition from the inside out.

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Topical Creams for Scabies

1. Permethrin Cream

Permethrin is the most commonly prescribed and most effective scabies medicine for all age groups. It works by killing both the mites and their eggs.

How to Use:

Apply to clean, dry skin from neck to toes.
Leave it on for 8–14 hours, then wash off.
Repeat after one week if needed.

Side Effects:

Mild burning or stinging
Temporary redness or itching

Availability:

Prescription-based
Available at major pharmacies and retail stores

Note: If you're searching for the name of medicine for scabies that's first-line and widely trusted, Permethrin cream is it.

2. Crotamiton Cream

Known for its soothing effects, Crotamiton helps reduce scabies itching while killing mites.

How to Use:

Apply from neck down, reapply after 24 hours.
Wash off after 48 hours.

Side Effects:

Mild irritation
Rash or redness

Availability:

Prescription only

This cream also serves as a scabies itching medicine, making it ideal for those with severe discomfort.

3. Sulfur Ointment

Sulfur ointment is a time-tested remedy, often recommended for infants, pregnant women, or people who can't use modern medications.

How to Use:

Apply from neck to toe, leave for 24 hours.
Reapply daily for 3 days.

Side Effects:

Odor
Dry skin

Availability:

Over the counter or prescription

Oral Medications for Scabies

4. Ivermectin

Ivermectin is a powerful oral tablet and often used in severe or widespread cases. It's considered one of the most effective scabies tablets available today.

How to Use:

One oral dose with water
Second dose after one week (if needed)

Side Effects:

Nausea or diarrhea
Dizziness

Availability:

Prescription required

If you're wondering about the name of medicine to relieve itching and kill mites internally, Ivermectin fits both needs.

Combination Treatments

5. Benzyl Benzoate + Oral Antihistamines

Benzyl benzoate is a topical lotion that works well when paired with oral antihistamines to control itching and inflammation.

How to Use Benzyl Benzoate:

Apply lotion to body from neck down
Wash off after 24 hours
Repeat after a week if necessary

Oral Antihistamines:

Take as directed for relief from itching

Side Effects:

Skin irritation (Benzyl benzoate)
Drowsiness (Antihistamines)

Availability:

Benzyl benzoate: OTC or prescription
Antihistamines: Widely available OTC

If you're looking for the name of antibiotic medicine for itching, note that antibiotics aren't used for scabies unless there's a secondary bacterial infection due to scratching. Antihistamines are better suited for itching.

Scabies Treatment for Different Age Groups

For Children:

Permethrin cream is safe for children over 2 months.
Sulfur ointment is preferred for infants.

For Adults:

Options include permethrin, crotamiton, ivermectin, and benzyl benzoate.

How Long Does Scabies Treatment Take?

Scabies treatment typically requires:

Leaving creams on the skin for 8 to 24 hours
A second round of treatment after 7 days in some cases
Full adherence to hygiene protocols to avoid reinfestation

Side Effects of Scabies Medications

While generally safe, side effects may include:

Topical meds: Redness, dryness, stinging
Oral meds: GI upset, dizziness
Antihistamines: Drowsiness

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Conclusion

Scabies can be distressing, but relief is within reach. By choosing the right scabies medicine and following your healthcare provider's guidance, you can eliminate mites and reduce itching.

Whether you need the most effective scabies medicine, a name of medicine for scabies itching, or oral tablets for severe cases, options like permethrin, ivermectin, and benzyl benzoate offer effective solutions.

Always consult your doctor for a tailored approach, and don't forget to treat all close contacts and clean personal items to prevent re-infestation.

Frequently Asked Questions

Oral medications for treating scabies are typically necessary when the infestation is severe or when topical treatments have not been effective. Oral medications like ivermectin may be prescribed by healthcare providers to ensure thorough eradication of scabies mites throughout the body.

The recommended treatments for scabies in children often include topical medications such as permethrin or oral medications like ivermectin, depending on the severity and age of the child. It's essential to treat all family members and close contacts simultaneously to prevent reinfestation.

Scabies in adults is typically treated similarly to children with topical medications such as permethrin or oral medications like ivermectin. However, the dosage and application instructions may vary based on the adult's age, health status, and severity of the infestation.

Some natural remedies for scabies include tea tree oil, neem oil, and clove oil, which have antiparasitic properties and can help alleviate itching. However, these remedies should be used cautiously and may not be as effective as prescription medications in completely eliminating scabies infestations.

Potential side effects of scabies medications like permethrin or ivermectin include skin irritation, itching, redness, and mild burning sensations. Rarely, more severe allergic reactions or neurological symptoms may occur, requiring medical attention.

Disclaimer:The information provided is accurate and up-to-date to the best of our knowledge. However, it should not be considered a substitute for medical advice or consultation. We do not guarantee its completeness or accuracy. The absence of specific warnings does not mean a medicine is safe for all users. We are not responsible for any outcomes based on this information and strongly recommend consulting a doctor for any medical concerns or questions.