Scabies Treatment: How to Get Rid of It Fast

Scabies feels like an endless itch that just won’t quit. Tiny mites burrow under the skin, laying eggs and causing a rash that spreads quickly. If you spot the classic worm‑like lines or notice intense itching especially at night, it’s time to act.

The good news? Scabies is treatable, and the right steps can stop the spread in a few days. Below we break down the medicines that really work and the practical home steps that keep the mites from coming back.

Prescription meds that really work

The gold‑standard treatment is permethrin 5% cream. Apply a thin layer over the entire body from neck down, leave it on for eight to fourteen hours, then wash it off. One application usually clears the infection; a second dose a week later catches any missed mites.

If you can’t use permethrin—because of skin sensitivity or a doctor’s advice—oral ivermectin is the next best option. The usual dose is 200 µg/kg taken once, then repeated after seven days. Ivermectin is especially handy for large families or institutional outbreaks where applying cream to everyone is tough.

Over‑the‑counter options like benzyl benzoate or sulfur ointments exist, but they’re less effective and can cause more irritation. Stick with a prescription if you can; it’s quicker, safer, and less likely to leave you itching for weeks.

Home steps to stop the itch and spread

Medicine alone won’t finish the job. The mites can live in your bedding, clothes, and towels, so you need to clean everything they might hide in. Wash all clothing, bed sheets, and towels in hot water (at least 50 °C) and dry on high heat for 20 minutes. Items that can’t be washed—like comforters or stuffed toys—should be sealed in a plastic bag for a week; the mites can’t survive that long without a host.

Vacuum the whole house, especially the mattress and couch. Throw the vacuum bag away promptly to avoid re‑contamination. While the medication is working, keep your nails short to reduce skin damage from scratching; consider using an anti‑itch cream or oral antihistamine to control the urge.

If you live with others, they all need treatment, even if they don’t show symptoms yet. Scabies spreads by skin‑to‑skin contact, so treating the whole household cuts the cycle fast.

When should you see a doctor? If the rash doesn’t improve after two weeks of treatment, if you develop a fever, or if you have a weakened immune system, get professional help. In rare cases, a secondary infection can set in from constant scratching.

Bottom line: start with a proven prescription like permethrin or ivermectin, clean your environment thoroughly, and keep itching under control. Follow these steps and you’ll be back to normal skin in about a week. Got more questions? Our site has deeper guides on each medication, dosing tips, and what to do if you’re pregnant or nursing.