Treatment FAQ

what treatment medication works for hair lice, body lice, and scabie mites

by Bert Hermann III Published 2 years ago Updated 2 years ago

Over-the-counter permethrin is used to treat lice (small insects that attach themselves to the skin on the head) in adults and children 2 months of age and older. Permethrin is in a class of medications called scabicides and pediculicides. It works by killing lice and mites.Jan 15, 2018

Full Answer

How do you get rid of lice and scabies?

Lice and Scabies Treatments. To eliminate lice, eggs and nits from head and body hair. Dye- and pesticide-free. Use provided comb to remove lice, eggs and nits. Shampoo with warm water. Inspect hair for 10 days. Repeat as needed.

What is the best prescription treatment for lice?

Prescription treatments include: 1 Malathion lotion 0.5% (also known as Ovide) is a prescription medication... 2 Lindane shampoo 1% is not approved for lice treatment anymore, since in young children,... 3 Spinosad (Natroba) is topical and applied to the scalp. 4 Another treatment is a topical lotion called Sklice.

What medications are used to treat scabies?

Medications Used to Treat Scabies. Scabicide lotion or cream should be applied to all areas of the body from the neck down to the feet and toes. In addition, when treating infants and young children, scabicide lotion or cream also should be applied to their entire head and neck because scabies can affect their face, scalp, and neck,...

Are there any over-the-counter products that kill scabies mites?

Products used to kill scabies mites are called scabicides. No “over-the-counter” (non-prescription) products have been tested and approved to treat human scabies. The following medications for the treatment of scabies are available only by prescription.

What medication is used for scabies and lice?

Description and Brand Names Permethrin 1% lotion is used to treat head lice infections. It acts by destroying both the lice and their eggs. The 5% cream is used to treat scabies infections by destroying the mites which cause scabies.

How do you get rid of body lice and mites?

Body lice and their eggs can be killed by washing clothing in very hot water, followed by drying these items in a clothes dryer set on high heat (more than 130 degrees Fahrenheit for at least 30 minutes). Dry cleaning or pressing the clothing with a hot iron will also kill the lice and eggs.

What prescription drugs are most commonly used and considered most effective against lice and scabies?

Malathion, spinosad, and topical ivermectin are considered ovicidal, and they will kill both live lice and eggs in one treatment.

Is there a pill for body lice?

Oral prescription medication. Oral ivermectin (Stromectol) effectively treats lice with two doses, eight days apart. This drug is typically used to treat infestations that haven't responded to other treatments.

What kills scabies instantly?

Permethrin cream. Permethrin is a topical cream that contains chemicals that kill scabies mites and their eggs. It is generally considered safe for adults, pregnant women, and children age 2 months and older.

What kills body lice on skin?

If these measures don't work, you can try using an over-the-counter lotion or shampoo that has 1% permethrin (Nix) or pyrethrin. If that still doesn't work, your doctor can provide a prescription lotion. Lice-killing products can be toxic to humans, so follow the directions carefully.

Which tablet is best for scabies?

Permethrin kills the scabies mite and eggs. Permethrin is the drug of choice for the treatment of scabies. Two (or more) applications, each about a week apart, may be necessary to eliminate all mites. Children aged 2 months or older can be treated with permethrin.

What antibiotic kills lice?

Abstract. Ivermectin and doxycycline have been found to be independently effective in killing body lice.

Can you buy scabies treatment over-the-counter?

Products used to treat scabies are called scabicides because they kill scabies mites; some also kill mite eggs. Scabicides used to treat human scabies are available only with a doctor's prescription. No “over-the-counter” (non-prescription) products have been tested and approved to treat scabies.

Is scabies the same as body lice?

Lice are small insects that live on the skin. They are often connected to hair on the scalp or in the pubic area. When you have lice, it is called pediculosis. Scabies is a condition caused by mites, which are tiny, insect-like animals that dig under the skin.

How do you know if you have body lice?

Common symptoms of a body lice infestation include:intense itching (pruritus)rash caused by an allergic reaction to body lice bites.red bumps on the skin.thickened or darkened skin, usually near the waist or groin, if the lice have been there for a long time.

How does vinegar get rid of body lice?

Mix 1 cup of vinegar with 1 cup of warm water. Next, distribute this mixture onto the scalp and cover your hair with a hair cap. Let this sit for approximately 30 minutes. Then, wash your hair normally with your usual shampoo.

Diagnosis

You or your doctor can usually confirm a body lice infestation through a visual examination of your body and clothing items. The presence of eggs and moving lice confirms infestation.

Treatment

Body lice are primarily treated by thoroughly washing yourself and any contaminated items with soap and hot water and drying clothing and bedding in a machine dryer using the hot cycle. Dry cleaning and ironing clothing that cannot be washed also is effective.

Lifestyle and home remedies

You can usually get rid of body lice by cleaning yourself and any personal belongings that may be contaminated. Wash infested bedding, clothing and towels with hot, soapy water — at least 130 F (54 C) — and machine dry them on high heat for at least 20 minutes.

Preparing for your appointment

If you can't get rid of body lice on your own, you may need to talk to your family doctor.

Drugs used to treat Scabies

The following list of medications are in some way related to, or used in the treatment of this condition.

Further information

Always consult your healthcare provider to ensure the information displayed on this page applies to your personal circumstances.

Why does scabies itch after treatment?

Because the symptoms of scabies are due to a hypersensitivity reaction (allergy) to mites and their feces (scybala), itching still may continue for several weeks after treatment even if all the mites and eggs are killed.

What is scabicide used for?

Products used to treat scabies are called scabicides because they kill scabies mites; some also kill mite eggs. Scabicides used to treat human scabies are available only with a doctor’s prescription. No “over-the-counter” (non-prescription) products have been tested and approved to treat scabies.

How long does it take for scabies to develop?

It is important to remember that the first time a person gets scabies they usually have no symptoms. Symptoms can typically take 4-8 weeks to develop after they are infested; however they can still spread scabies during this time. In addition to the infested person, treatment also is recommended for household members ...

How long does it take for a pimple to heal after a rash?

If itching still is present more than 2 to 4 weeks after treatment or if new burrows or pimple-like rash lesions continue to appear, retreatment may be necessary. Skin sores that become infected should be treated with an appropriate antibiotic prescribed by a doctor. Page last reviewed: October 31, 2018.

Where to apply scabicide lotion?

Scabicide lotion or cream should be applied to all areas of the body from the neck down to the feet and toes.

Can you use scabicide on your head?

In addition, when treating infants and young children, scabicide lotion or cream also should be applied to their entire head and neck because scabies can affect their face, scalp, and neck, as well as the rest of their body. Only permethrin or sulfur ointment may be used in infants.

What is the best medication for itching?

OTC histamines can also help relieve itching. Popular antihistamines include Zyrtec, Allegra, and Claritin. Benadryl and Chlor-Trimeton are considered first-generation antihistamines. This means they may make you drowsier than others. A pharmacist can help you choose which is right for you.

How much permethrin is used for scabies?

Prescription options include the following: Elimite is a 5 percent permethrin cream that’s generally effective and safe when it’s used as directed. This is the most often-prescribed scabies treatment on the market. Children as young as 2 months old may be treated with this prescription.

How to get rid of scabies in your house?

This will help ensure the scabies are fully removed from your environment. Use disinfectant sprays, including those that contain permethrin, on surfaces and clothing. Apply rubbing alcohol or Lysol to kill bugs on hard surfaces.

What is scabicide?

Scabies treatments, called scabicides, target both mites and their eggs. They’re only available by prescription. If you receive a scabies diagnosis, your doctor will likely recommend that your entire family be treated. Your doctor may also prescribe antibiotics if you develop a skin infection from scratching a scabies rash.

What is the scabies parasite?

Scabies is a parasitic infection on your skin caused by microscopic mites called Sarcoptes scabiei. They take up residence just beneath your skin’s surface, laying eggs that cause an itchy skin rash.

How to prevent scabies from spreading?

To prevent further spread of scabies: Avoid skin-to-skin contact with a person who has scabies. Avoid touching items such as the clothing or bedding of a person who may have scabies.

Where do scabies rash occur?

In adults and older children, scabies rashes may develop between fingers or between thighs. They may also appear on your: For an infant, older person, or someone with a compromised immune system, the rash might manifest on the neck, face, head, hands, and bottoms of the feet.

How to get rid of lice and nits in hair?

To eliminate lice, eggs and nits from head and body hair. Dye- and pesticide-free. Use provided comb to remove lice, eggs and nits. Shampoo with warm water. Inspect hair for 10 days. Repeat as needed. SCABICIDES. crotamiton 10%.

Can you use a nit comb to remove lice?

A nit comb must be used to physically remove head lice and nits after treatment. Treatment of head lice. Avoid contact with eyes. <6mos: Not recommended. ≥6mos: Apply sufficient amount to dry hair to completely saturate scalp and hair.

What is 5% permethrin cream?

Permethrin is a synthetic pyrethroid similar to naturally occurring pyrethrins which are extracts from the chrysanthemum flower.

What is keratolytic cream used for?

Keratolytic cream A topical keratolytic cream may also be used to help reduce the crusting of the skin and aid in the absorption of the topical permethrin or benzyl benzoate.

Is ivermectin safe for scabies?

Evidence suggests that oral ivermectin may be a safe and effective treatment for scabies; however, ivermectin is not FDA-approved for this use. Oral ivermectin should be considered for patients who have failed treatment with or who cannot tolerate FDA-approved topical medications for the treatment of scabies.

Is ivermectin FDA approved?

Evidence suggests that oral ivermectin may be a safe and effective treatment for scabies; however, ivermectin is not F DA-approved for this use.

Is there an over the counter treatment for scabies?

No “over-the-counter” (non-prescription) products have been tested and approved to treat human scabies. The following medications for the treatment of scabies are available only by prescription.

Is Permethrin safe for children?

Permethrin is safe and effective when used as directed. Permethrin kills the scabies mite and eggs. Permethrin is the drug of choice for the treatment of scabies. Two (or more) applications, each about a week apart, may be necessary to eliminate all mites. Children aged 2 months or older can be treated with permethrin.

What is lice parasite?

Lice are tiny parasites that live on human beings and feed on blood. They seldom cause serious medical problems, but they are both annoying and contagious. There are three types of lice that can live on people.

Why are head lice rare?

Head lice are rare among African-Americans, possibly because the shafts of their hair have a shape that lice cannot grasp easily. Pubic lice ( Pthirus pubis) are yellow-gray parasites found in the pubic region and transmitted by sexual contact.

What happens if you don't feed lice?

If the lice are not treated, the person can develop complications such as skin sores or bacterial infection of the affected area. Body lice can also spread blood infections.

Is scabies contagious?

Scabies is another contagious skin disease caused by the mite Sarcoptes scabiei var. hominis. The primary symptom -- an incredibly itchy rash -- results when the female mite burrows into the skin and deposits eggs. Female mites grow to 0.3 to 0.45 mm long and are larger than males.

How to treat scabies with Permethrin?

To treat scabies using permethrin 5% cream: Clean and dry the skin. Apply a thin layer of this medicine to all body parts from the neck down to the soles of the feet. Rub in completely. Leave the medicine on your skin for 8 to 14 hours, then wash it off completely.

What is the best cream for scabies?

Nix Creme Rinse (permethrin 1%) is used for the treatment of head lice. It is available over-the-counter from a pharmacy. Permethrin Cream (permethrin 5%) is used for the treatment of scabies.

How long does it take for Permethrin to clear up?

Avoid applying near the eyes, nose, mouth, or genitals. If the condition does not clear up within 14 days , apply permethrin cream again. The CDC 1 advises that two (or more) applications, each about a week apart, may be necessary to eliminate all mites.

Is Permethrin safe for children?

Permethrin is an anti-parasite medication that kills scabies mites and their eggs. Permethrin treatments are considered safe for use in adults and children ages 2 months and older. Clean and dry the skin.

Is permethrin resistant to scabies mites?

In recent years, the possibility of the emergence of permethrin resistance in scabies mites has been a concern. So far there has been no clinical evidence documented to support this theory, but there have been several anecdotal reports, and at least one study 2 has confirmed increasing tolerance in vitro.

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