What are the treatment options for scabies?

Scabies is caused by mites that burrow into the outer skin. A healthcare professional may recommend a medicated cream or lotion applied to the body as directed; the exact areas and repeat application depend on the product and your age. Itching can continue after the mites have been cleared because the skin is still reacting.

People who share a home or have close skin contact may need assessment and treatment at the same time, even if they have no itch yet. This helps reduce reinfection. Clothing, towels and bedding used recently should be handled according to clinical advice.

Arrange a medical assessment to confirm the diagnosis and choose the appropriate treatment. Follow the instructions carefully, including how long the medicine stays on the skin and whether a second application is needed. Keep fingernails short and avoid sharing towels, clothing or bedding while treatment is being arranged.

For persistent itch, ask which soothing treatment is suitable. Do not keep applying anti-mite medicine more often than advised, because irritated skin can become harder to assess.

Seek prompt medical care if scratching has caused open sores, spreading redness, warmth, swelling, pus or increasing pain, as these can indicate a secondary skin infection. Arrange review if new burrows or new itchy spots appear after treatment, or if symptoms are not settling as expected.

Ask which medicine is suitable for your age and pregnancy status, which parts of the body need treatment, whether household contacts should be treated together, and how to manage itch that remains after the mites are gone.