Scabies or skin problem treatment

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1. Scabies is a contagious skin condition . Treatment focuses on eliminating the mites and managing symptoms like itching and rash.

 First-Line Treatment: Topical Permethrin

• Medication: Permethrin 5% cream
• How to Use:
  • Apply to entire body from neck down (include under fingernails, between fingers/toes, soles, and genitals).
  • Leave on for 8–14 hours (overnight), then wash off.
  • Repeat in 7 days to kill any newly hatched mites.

 Other Treatment Options

1. Oral Ivermectin

   • Dose: 200 µg/kg orally, repeat in 7–14 days.
   • Useful for:
     • Crusted (Norwegian) scabies
     • Outbreaks in institutions
     • Cases unresponsive to topical treatment
   • Not recommended for children <15 kg or pregnant women (unless necessary).

2. Sulfur Ointment (5–10%)

   • Safe for infants and pregnant women.
   • Messier and less commonly used.

3. Benzyl Benzoate (10–25%)

   • Effective but more irritating to the skin.
   • Used in some countries where permethrin is unavailable.

4. Crotamiton (10%)

   • Less effective than permethrin or ivermectin.
   • Sometimes used for itch relief.

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Environmental Decontamination

• Wash clothing, bedding, and towels in hot water (≥60°C) and dry on high heat.
• Items that can't be washed should be sealed in a plastic bag for 3–7 days.
• Vacuum carpets and furniture.

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 Household & Close Contacts

• All close contacts should be treated at the same time, even if asymptomatic.

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 Itching After Treatment?

• Itching may persist for 2–4 weeks due to allergic reaction to dead mites.
• Use antihistamines, topical steroids, or calamine lotion for relief.