Sign up
Log in
EspañolSave big on your prescriptions.
Get the free SingleCare app
Get the free SingleCare app
Always free for consumers
Quickly access discount cards
Over a billion dollars saved
4.8 average rating
Text a link to download the app
Phone number
Scan to download the app
What is scabies?
Scabies is an infectious skin condition caused by the microscopic mite Sarcoptes scabiei. The bacterial infection is characterized by intense itching and affects over 450 million people per year globally. In the United States, scabies is estimated to affect more than 1 million people. Sarcoptes scabiei, also known as the mange mite, human itch mite, or human scabies, is spread by skin-to-skin contact that leads to scabies infestation.
When someone is infected with scabies mites, they will experience a pimple-like rash and intense itching. The itching from scabies happens when female mites burrow into the top layer of the skin, creating mite burrows. From here the female mites lay their eggs, and when the eggs hatch, the cycle can continue. Medication must be applied topically or taken orally to kill scabies mites and keep them from spreading.
Symptoms of scabies are uncomfortable for the infected person. Doctors are always looking for how to get rid of scabies and new ways to treat scabies to bring relief to those who live with it. Some researchers at the Walter and Eliza Hall Institute of Medical Research are studying the scabies mite genome to better understand how the mites work. Projects like these may lead to new treatment options in the future.
This guide explains scabies treatment and medications that a doctor may prescribe or recommend. These include but are not limited to scabicides and anthelmintics.
How is scabies diagnosed?
Intensely itchy skin and a pimple-like rash characterize a scabies infection. Scabies mites reach human skin by direct, physical contact between people. For this reason, cases of scabies are often transferred between sexual partners. This type of direct skin contact makes it easy for someone to get scabies.
Scabies doesn't just spread through sexual contact. It is common in care facilities like nursing homes and childcare centers where people are often close to one another. Young children and the elderly are especially prone to getting scabies. When one person in a household is infected with scabies, other household or family members are especially at risk for becoming infected.
Children may experience a scabies rash all over their bodies or on their hands and soles of the feet. Adults will see scabies symptoms more commonly under folds of skin, between the fingers, or underneath the armpits. Burrow tracks from the scabies mites are present in many cases of this skin disease and can be seen in children and adults.
Scabies is commonly self-diagnosed, but medical treatment is necessary to kill the scabies mites and their eggs. Dermatologists and other physicians might choose to do a skin scraping from part of the affected area to test for the presence of scabies mites. In a normal case of scabies, a person may have only 10-12 mites, but in more severe cases of crusted scabies, thousands of mites may be present.
A primary or general care practitioner can diagnose and treat scabies, or refer you to a pediatrician, dermatologist, or pediatric dermatologist. A doctor may ask the following questions to help confirm a diagnosis:
- Have you been in close contact with someone who has scabies?
- Are you currently taking any medications?
- What have you tried to treat your symptoms with so far?
- How long have you been experiencing your current symptoms?
- What parts of your body currently have a rash?
Scabies treatment options
Scabies is commonly treated with a topical scabicide that works by killing the scabies mite. Permethrin cream is an example of a popular scabicide. In more severe cases of crusted, or Norwegian scabies, an oral antiparasitic medication may be necessary. Some people choose to seek out natural and home remedies to help with scabies symptoms such as itching and/or pain.
Some over-the-counter antihistamines like Benadryl can help with severe itching, but are not a main treatment option, and will not kill scabies mites. Some natural treatments like tea tree oil or tiger balm may offer symptomatic relief during a flare-up of symptoms. Medical treatment is necessary to ensure that a scabies infection doesn’t spread.
The scabies mite can live without a host for a couple of days. This means that someone could be infected again, or that the infection could spread within a household. If you or someone in your household has scabies, you should wash all clothing, bedding, and linens in hot water and dry in a hot dryer, or have items dry cleaned, to help prevent scabies from spreading or recurring. Items that can’t be washed liked toys or stuffed animals should be sealed in a plastic bag for 5-7 days (CDC says for at least 72 hours).
Scabies medications
Scabies medications fall into the following classes: scabicides and anthelmintics. Some types of medications can be taken either orally or applied topically. A healthcare professional will determine the proper dosage and form of medication on a case-by-case basis.
Scabicides
Scabicides work by killing scabies mites and must be prescribed by a doctor. Some scabicides may also work by killing mite eggs. Scabicides are typically applied to the skin via a shampoo, lotion or cream. A lotion or cream should be applied to all areas of the body from the neck to the toes in adults and older children, and include the head in infants, young children, and adults over age 65, as their scalp, face and neck can be affected. Popular scabicides include permethrin topical, crotamiton, benzyl benzoate, and lindane. Side effects from these medications include, but are not limited to allergic reactions, trouble breathing, dizziness, seizures, or intense skin reactions.
Anthelmintics
Anthelmintics work by killing parasites and is often used to treat scabies when topical treatments have been unsuccessful. Anthelmintics have also been used to treat scabies in hospital or large-care treatment settings. Ivermectin is a generic form of Stromectol that is taken orally to help treat scabies. Side effects may include joint pain, swelling, fever, or allergic reactions.
What are the best medications for scabies?
There is no one universal scabies treatment that’s best for everyone. Individual symptoms and responses to treatment vary. A doctor can determine the best medication for scabies based on an individual’s symptoms, medical history, and response to treatments. Here’s an overview of popular scabies medications that a doctor may prescribe.
| Best medications for scabies | ||||
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Drug Name | Drug Class | Administration Route | Standard Dosage | Side Effects |
| Elimite (Permethrin Topical) | Scabicide | Topical | Applied topically as directed by a healthcare professional | Allergic reaction, eye irritation, or trouble breathing |
| Eurax (crotamiton) | Scabicide | Topical | Applied topically as directed by a healthcare professional | Allergic reaction or severe skin irritation |
| Lindane | Scabicide | Topical | Used as a shampoo as directed by a healthcare professional | Allergic reaction, dizziness, or seizures |
| Stromectol (ivermectin) | Anthelmintic | Oral | 3mg tablet takes as directed by a healthcare professional | Joint pain, fainting, or fevers |
A doctor determines the best dosage based on medical conditions, response to treatment, age, and weight. Other possible side effects exist. This is not a complete list.
What are some common side effects of scabies medications?
As with any medication, there are always potential side effects. Common side effects associated with scabies medications include skin irritation, dizziness, headache, fever, and joint pain. Contact your doctor or pharmacist if your side effects persist or worsen.
Scabies medications may also cause allergic reactions that result in hives or difficulty breathing. You should seek immediate medical care if you believe you are experiencing an allergic reaction.
This list of side effects is not comprehensive. Ask a healthcare professional for more details regarding the possible side effects of a particular medication.
What are the best home remedies for scabies?
Many people rely on home remedies and natural treatments to alleviate their scabies symptoms. Certain lifestyle changes may help prevent scabies from worsening or recurring. Home remedies, natural treatments options, and lifestyle changes are all ways that people who live with scabies can try to reduce their symptoms. Many natural supplements are not approved by the FDA. Here are some popular home and natural remedies for scabies:
- Using tea tree oil Known for its antimicrobial properties, tea tree oil is used to treat numerous skin infections. The oil can be applied topically to scabies-infected skin.
- Using neem oil Neem oil has been known to effectively kill scabies mites and prevent them from multiplying. The oil is applied topically to affected areas and may help relieve pain and itching as well as kill mites.
- Reducing stress Highly stressed individuals may experience worsened symptoms, such as itching, that could lead to skin infections. Living with scabies can be very difficult to deal with mentally as well. Reducing stress by exercising, meditating, or doing something relaxing is very beneficial.
- Eating anti-inflammatory foods Eating anti-inflammatory foods can help the body with swelling and itching. Boosting the immune system through healthy food choices will never be a bad choice when seeking relief from scabies.
- Taking a cayenne pepper bath Cayenne pepper may help alleviate pain associated with scabies. The chemical capsaicin in cayenne pepper reduces pain and itching that many people with scabies experience. Adding cayenne pepper to a bath could help with pain symptoms.
- Using a sulfur ointment For a more natural treatment of scabies, a sulfur ointment is an option. Sulfur ointments can be purchased over the counter and should be applied all over the infected skin area.
Frequently asked questions about scabies
How long does scabies last? How long does it take to treat scabies?
It may take 4-6 weeks after infection for a person to start experiencing scabies symptoms. Once scabies has been diagnosed by a doctor and treatment has been prescribed, most cases clear up within 4 weeks. With cases of crusted scabies, also known as Norwegian scabies, several rounds of treatment may be needed.
Can scabies go away without treatment?
Scabies needs to be treated properly in order to go away. Scabies mites can live up to two days without a host, which means that the potential for reinfestation is high if the mites aren’t killed. People infected with scabies should clean all clothing and linens to help prevent a secondary infection and to keep household members from becoming infected.
Is there a home treatment for scabies?
Some people may choose to help treat their scabies with natural or home remedies. It’s important to note that many natural treatments and supplements are not regulated by the FDA. Tea tree oil, neem oil, and cayenne pepper baths are natural treatment options that may help reduce pain and itching associated with scabies. To help with severe itching, an antihistamine like Benadryl can be taken. It’s important to speak with a healthcare professional to determine the right scabies treatment.
Can I get scabies treatment over the counter?
The FDA does not approve any over-the-counter medications or treatments for scabies. Visiting a healthcare professional is required to receive proper treatment.
Is there an oral medication for scabies?
The only oral medication for scabies is ivermectin. The brand name for ivermectin is Stromectol, which can be prescribed by a physician upon diagnosis. Ivermectin can be used to treat classic scabies as well as crusted scabies, depending on physician recommendations.
Which antibiotic is best for scabies?
Permethrin Topical is a top choice for treating scabies in the United States. The cream works by killing scabies mites. For some cases of crusted scabies, the oral antibiotic ivermectin may be used in addition to a topical cream.