How does permethrin cream help treat scabies?
According to http://www.aad.org ” 5% permethrin cream is applied to the skin from the neck down at bedtime and washed off the next morning. Dermatologists recommend that the cream be applied to cool, dry skin over the entire body (including the palms of the hands, under finger nails, soles of the feet, and the groin) and left on for 8 to 14 hours. A second treatment one week later may be recommended. Side effect of 5% percent permethrin cream includes mild temporary burning and stinging. Lesions heal within four weeks after the treatment. If a patient continues to have trouble, reinfestation may be a problem requiring further evaluation by the dermatologist”. [http://www.aad.org/public/publications/pamphlets/common_scabies.html] Sources: http://www.aad.org/public/publications/pamphlets/common_scabies.
Nonprescription permethrin 1% is used to treat lice but is not strong enough to cure scabies. Prescription-strength permethrin 5% kills the scabies mite. The medicine will come with instructions, and your doctor will also give you a treatment schedule. The National Institutes of Health recommends the following: For scabies (5% cream) Read package directions carefully before using. Thoroughly wash and dry skin. Massage the cream into the skin from the head to the soles of the feet, paying special attention to creases in the skin, hands, feet, between fingers and toes, underarms, and groin. Scabies rarely infests the scalp of adults, although the hairline, neck, side of the head, and forehead may be infested in older people and in infants. Infants should be treated on the scalp, side of the head, and forehead. Leave the permethrin cream on the skin for 8 to 14 hours. Wash off by taking a shower or bath. Put on clean clothes. After treatment, itching may continue for up to 4 weeks. For li
From drugs.com: Permethrin Cream is used for: Treating scabies. Permethrin Cream is a scabicide. It works by killing the scabies mite (Sarcoptes scabiei). Generic Name: Permethrin Cream (per-METH-rin) Brand Name: Examples include Acticin and Elimite Sources: http://www.drugs.com/cdi/permethrin-cream.
