How is scabies treated?
Several lotions are available to treat scabies. Carefully follow the directions provided by your doctor or the directions on the package. Apply treatment to all skin from neck to legs. This includes between toes, the crease between the buttocks, etc. If you wash your hands after application, you need to reapply the medication to your hands again. In infants and small children, apply medication to face and scalp also, but avoid the area close to the eyes. Although these medications kill the mites promptly, the itching may not go away entirely for several weeks. Because scabies is easily spread and because people often do not develop a rash until a month or more after infestations, doctors often recommend treatment for entire families, groups, or classes to eradicate the mite. If your health care provider has instructed family members to be treated, everyone should receive treatment at the same time to prevent re-infestation.
