Scabies is a skin condition caused by tiny mites burrowing under the skin. Scabies mites can cause intense itching, rashes and sores. Most people have scabies for two to six weeks before symptoms become noticeable. Scabies sufferers will often notice that the itching appears worse at night. Scabies presents in the folds of the skin, often between the fingers and along the waist. Scabies is contagious and can spread quickly through close contact. Physicians usually recommend treating the entire family.
Permethrin 5 Percent
Permethrin is a topical cream that contains chemicals that kill parasites and their eggs. Permethrin is used to treat scabies and also infestations of pubic lice. Permethrin comes in a cream or a liquid and is for external use only. Physicians often recommend application twice, with a week between applications. Patients should take a shower before use. Patients should apply the cream from head to toe, making sure to get between fingers and toes, and massage cream into the skin. Physicians recommend leaving the cream in place for eight to 14 hours before washing it off in the shower. Permethrin is considered safe for children, adults and women who are pregnant or nursing, according to the Mayo Clinic. Side effects of permethrin include skin irritation, rash, redness and swelling.
Lindane
Lindane is used to kill parasitic infections caused by scabies and pubic lice. Howeve, lindane carries many side effects and warnings. Lindane is not safe for children under 2 years old, people with a body weight of less than 110 lbs. and women who are pregnant or nursing. Lindane may cause serious side effects and can be dangerous if not taken exactly as prescribed. Lindane comes as a lotion for the skin or shampoo for the hair and scalp. Physicians recommend lindane, like permethrin, be applied twice with a week between applications. Lindane should be applied using gloves made of nitrile, vinyl or latex with neoprene to prevent too much of the medication from reaching the skin. After using lindane, patients should sanitize all clothing, underwear, pajamas, sheets and pillowcases by washing in scalding water, according to the National Institutes of Health. Side effects of lindane include skin rash, itching or burning skin, dry skin, hair loss and numbness or tingling of the skin. In rare instances, serious side effects may occur such as headaches, dizziness, drowsiness, seizures and uncontrollable shaking. Patients experiencing these serious side effects should alert physicians immediately.
Crotamiton
Crotamiton is used for the treatment of scabies as well as to help relieve itching in other skin conditions. Crotamiton is available as a cream or lotion. Scientists have not performed extensive studies of the effects of crotamiton on children, the elderly and pregnant or nursing women, according to the Mayo Clinic. The recommended application for scabies calls for applying the medication to the entire skin surface from the chin down, rubbing the cream in thoroughly, paying special attention to the creases in the skin such as between fingers and toes and moist areas such as underarms and groin. Patients should not wash off the medication. After 24 hours, patients should apply another coat of the medication, leaving the medication on for another 24 hours before showering to remove all medicine. Patients should wash sheets and clothing to prevent reinfection. Side effects of crotamiton are rare but can include skin irritation.
