What is the Right Medicine for Scabies?

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Written By Julie Ingram
Scabies infestation in hands.

Researchers estimate that there are more than 200 million cases of scabies in the world, out of which approximately 1 million cases occur in the United States. Scabies is medically defined as a type of a contagious skin condition that is caused by an itch mite known as Sarcoptes scabies.

If left untreated, scabies mites can enter the upper skin layer of the body and cause infestation by burrowing in the skin and laying eggs. This can further result in relentless itching and severe rashes. It is essential to consult your general physician to get effective medicine for scabies at the earliest opportunity.

Scabies can spread through close physical contact. If one family member becomes infected with scabies, the odds of others becoming infected increase dramatically. Hence, doctors may recommend treatment for people who come in close contact with the infected person. 

It is necessary to get immediate medical treatment before the infection worsens. Taking the correct medicine for scabies can help eliminate scabies mites and their laid eggs. However, one might still experience some itching and rashes for some weeks after getting the necessary treatment.

What are the early signs of scabies?

The early signs of scabies can vary among patients depending upon the time of exposure. Usually, it takes roughly two to four weeks for the symptoms to show up. The most common symptom of scabies is continuous itching that worsens at night. 

If you’ve had scabies before, you’re more likely to get another parasite illness. Some of the early warning signs of scabies that one should look out for are as follows:

  • Intense itching
  • Tiny bump or blister on the skin
  • A pimple-like rash on the skin
  • A thick crust on the skin
  • Open sores caused by scratching

It is essential to talk to a medical professional if you start noticing such symptoms on your skin. Some skin conditions like dermatitis and eczema can also trigger similar symptoms; getting a proper medical diagnosis can help know the cause behind the symptoms. Scabies mite infection usually spreads through direct, continued, skin-to-skin contact with a person who has scabies. If one family member develops scabies, others should also be treated at the earliest. Medicines like Ivermectin can help in treating parasitic diseases like scabies.

Also read: Know How to Take Ivermectin Effectively.

What are the main causes of scabies?

Scabies is an itchy skin condition that occurs due to the infestation by a human itch mite. Once a person contracts scabies, the microscopic mites can live on the skin for months.

A microscopic scabies itch mite.
Tianav / Getty Images

The female itch mite can create burrows under the upper layer of the skin and lay its eggs, further spreading the parasitic infection across the body. 

The skin reacts to scabies mite infection by developing red, itchy skin rashes. Scabies is a highly contagious skin condition that can quickly be passed among people through direct skin-to-skin contact. Sharing clothes, furniture, or bedding can also increase the risk of contracting a parasitic infection from an infected person.

Both animals and humans can be affected by a parasitic infection triggered by different species of mites. Humans may develop a temporary skin infection by getting exposed to an animal scabies mite.

However, the majority of the people usually don’t create a strong case of scabies compared to the one developed from a human scabies mite.

Which medicine for scabies is helpful?

The medical treatment for a parasitic infection should be taken under the guidance of a medical expert. A doctor would recommend topical or oral medication depending on the patient’s requirement. Medical treatment for scabies can be done to eliminate the infestation with the help of drugs (Ivermectin) available in the form of cream, lotions, tablets, or injections.

A doctor giving the direction of use for scabies medicine.
AnnaStills / Getty Images

Some of the most common medicine for scabies that one may take are as follows:-

Ivermectin(Ivecop):

Doctors may prescribe ivermectin tablets to treat parasitic infections such as scabies. This form of oral medication works by paralyzing and destroying the parasites in the body. Ivermectin 3mg tablet is a safe and effective medicine for scabies. However, the US Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has approved the drug only for oral administration. Ivermectin medication is not a steroid or an antibiotic. It belongs to an antiparasitic class of medication.

Doctors may recommend Ivermectin tablets if topical treatment in the form of cream and lotions becomes ineffective. However, it is imperative to buy Ivermectin tablets only through valid prescriptions. Click here to buy Ivermectin (Ivecop) tablets from our online medical store.

Also read: Does Ivermectin Cause Infertility?

Permethrin cream:

Permethrin cream is an FDA-approved medication available to treat scabies in humans. Active ingredients of such medication work by killing the scabies mite and their eggs. Adults and children aged two months or more can use permethrin cream.

Crotamiton lotion:

Topical lotion-like crotamiton is an FDA-approved medication that can help treat scabies in adults. Apply the topical lotion as per the directions given by the doctor. However, do not use the medication in the case of children, pregnant women, or senior citizens.

Taking such medication can prove to be effective in killing scabies mites and eliminating parasitic infections. However, itching might persist even after a while. One can try natural ways to manage such after-effects by applying smooth lotion or antihistamines.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I buy Ivermectin for scabies over the counter?

Ivermectin is a prescription medication that can only be taken when a medical expert recommends it. However, Ivermectin can be bought over the counter in the form of topical lotions to treat scabies. Such topical medication can be an effective over-the-counter medicine for scabies.

How long does it take for scabies medication to work?

It is estimated that medication for scabies can heal the skin within 4 to 5 weeks. However, if itching or rashes persist, the chances are that you might still have scabies.

What happens if scabies is left untreated?

If one does not receive proper medical treatment for scabies in time. In that case, it can lead to the inoculation of the skin with bacteria, resulting in the development of skin sores.