Being a very contagious health problem, scabies has to be treated. The most common drug used in treating scabies is 5 % permethrin cream. This cream has low toxicity and benefic effects over the irritations caused by scabies. It was proved that 5 % permethrin cream is more effective than both lindane and crotamiton. After it is applied, permethrin need to be washed off after 8 to 12 hours.

Permethrin leads to the death of the parasite by disrupting the sodium channel current, resulting in delayed repolarization, paralysis and afterwards death of the parasite. Even though it is not recommended during pregnancy or even in children smaller than two month it was proved that permethrin has a benefic effect in these situations too.

Another preparation of permethrin is known. 1 % permethrin solution is used to treat head lice but it is not effective in treating scabies. It is recommended that these to treatments not be confused because they are surely not interchangeable.

Lindane is an alternative for 5 % permethrin. In 12 hours after its appliance lindane has to be washed off. The procedure repeats in 24 hours. Only after a close exam lindane can be prescribed for infants younger than two years or for pregnant women.

A medicine prepared by the pharmacist is recommended for infants and pregnant women. It consists of precipitated sulphur (7 %) in petroleum jelly. This cream is applied for three consecutive days and should be left on the affected area for 24 hours and than washed away right before the next application.

The whole family of the patient must be treated in the same time because scabies is a very contagious problem that may reoccur even more rapidly than it developed in the first time. The treating creams must be applied all over the body but especially in the areas that are more at risk such as fingernails, toenails, behind the ears or the groin. Because the mites may be found in all body areas the scalp has to be treated too especially in young children that are more at risk than the adults. Patients are advised not to share their clothes, towels, sheets or any other personal items. It is recommended for these items to be washed in hot water, at least 60? C.

To ease the itching an oral antihistamine is recommended. Skin infections should be treated with oral antibiotics.