Permethrin cream for scabies (2218)
Key points below
What are scabies?
Scabies are little bugs, called mites. The mites are so small you cannot see them with just your eyes. You cannot feel them crawling on the skin. We get scabies when we touch or come in contact with someone who has scabies. This is called person to person spread.
What is Permethrin cream?
It is a medicine used to treat scabies. This medicine helps kill the mites. Talk to your provider or pharmacist if you have questions about this medicine. If you are pregnant or breastfeeding, talk to your provider before using this cream.
Why am I getting a prescription for Permethrin cream?
Someone whom you live with or spend a lot of time with has scabies. It is important everyone gets treatment, even if you don’t have a rash or itch. This stops the mites from spreading back and forth between people. It is important to use the cream correctly to get rid of scabies.
How to apply Permethrin cream:
- Take a warm shower.Dry your skin completely with a clean towel.
- Apply a thin layer of cream. Make sure to get the areas between fingers and toes, in the groin, and under fingernails.
- For those over 2 years old: Apply the cream from the neck down to all parts of your body. You will not apply the cream to the head.
- For children 2 years old or under: Apply the cream to the head, including the scalp and face, neck, and body.
- Do not get the cream in your eyes, ears, nose, or mouth. If this happens, rinse with water right away.
- Do not touch anyone else’s skin while wearing the cream.
- Remove bed sheets and put on clean sheets before going to bed with the cream on.
- Leave the cream on your skin overnight, for 8 to14 hours.
- Remove the cream in the morning. Wash off the cream in a shower or bath using warm water and soap.
- Wait 7 days.Then apply the cream a second and final time. Use the same steps 1 to 7 above.
- Do not use the Permethrin cream more than two times. It will not help the itching.
Important information:
On the first day that Permethrin cream is used, wash all clothing, bedding and towels. Use hot water and dry on high heat. Do this again when you reapply the cream 7 days later.
- Put items that cannot be washed in a garbage bag. These include pillows and stuffed animals. Tie the bag shut. Leave items in the bag for 3 days.
- Vacuum the carpet and sofas.
Side effects:
Most side effects are rare when using the cream as directed. Some may have mild skin redness or itching. A few people may have an allergic reaction to the cream. If you use the cream more often than recommended, it will cause a red rash.
Call 911 or seek medical help right away if you:
- Find it hard to breathe.
- Have trouble swallowing.
- Have a rash or hives.
- Have swelling of the face, lips, tongue, or throat.
For more health and wellness information check out this Kids Health resource:
Scabies- Scabies is an itchy skin problem caused by teeny mites that dig tunnels underneath the skin's surface.