Treating Scabies: Practical Steps to Get Rid of Mites Fast

Scabies is caused by tiny mites that burrow into the skin and trigger intense itching. You can get it from close skin contact, shared bedding, or prolonged contact with an infected person. The good news: scabies is treatable with prescription medicines and straightforward household steps. Read on for clear actions you can take today.

Medical Treatments That Work

The most common and effective treatment is topical permethrin 5% cream. Apply it from the neck down (and to the scalp for infants and the elderly) at night, leave it on for 8–14 hours, then wash off. Most doctors recommend repeating the application after 7 days to catch newly hatched mites.

Oral ivermectin is another option, especially for widespread cases or when creams aren’t practical. Typical dosing is 200 mcg/kg as a single dose, repeated in 1–2 weeks. Ivermectin is often used alongside topical treatment in severe or crusted scabies. Pregnant women and very young infants usually should avoid oral ivermectin—talk with your provider.

Crusted (Norwegian) scabies looks very different: thick crusts, huge numbers of mites, and often little itch. This form needs urgent specialist care, often with multiple doses of ivermectin plus medicated baths or creams in a clinic setting.

Household Care and Preventing Reinfestation

Treat close contacts at the same time, even if they have no symptoms. Scabies can incubate for weeks before itching starts, so simultaneous treatment prevents passing mites back and forth.

Wash bedding, clothes, and towels used in the last 3 days in hot water and dry on high heat. Items that can’t be washed should be sealed in plastic bags for 72 hours—mites cannot survive off a human host beyond that. Vacuum mattresses and furniture and consider mattress covers for heavily infested beds.

Over-the-counter creams, essential oils, and home remedies rarely cure scabies. They may soothe the skin but won’t reliably kill mites. Stick with prescription treatments recommended by a clinician.

Itching can continue for 2–4 weeks after mites are dead because of the skin’s allergic reaction. Calamine lotion, non-prescription antihistamines at night, or a short course of topical steroid from your doctor can help manage this post-treatment itch.

If your symptoms don’t improve after a second treatment, check that the cream was applied correctly and that all contacts were treated. Talk to your clinician about repeat therapy or combination treatment. Seek medical help right away for infants, pregnant people, immunocompromised patients, or anyone with signs of a severe infection.

Treating scabies is unpleasant but straightforward: use the right prescription, treat contacts, clean bedding, and manage itching. If you’re unsure which medicine fits your situation, contact a healthcare provider — they’ll help you pick the safest, most effective plan.