Skin
Medicines for Scabies
An intensely itchy skin condition caused by tiny mites burrowing under the skin — treated with a cream applied over the whole body, with all close contacts treated at the same time.
Education and reference only. This explains which medicines are used and why, in plain language — it deliberately contains no doses and is not a substitute for advice from your doctor or pharmacist. Always discuss your own treatment with a qualified clinician, and check the BNF and the product labelling for prescribing detail.
Quick answer
What is Scabies?
Scabies is a common, very itchy skin condition caused by tiny mites that burrow into the top layer of the skin. The itch is often worse at night and can be intense.
- How it is treated: Scabies is treated with a medicated cream, usually permethrin, that is applied to the whole body from the neck down (and, in young children and older people, including the scalp and face), not just to the visible rash — the mites can be anywhere on the skin.
- Self-care: Treat all close contacts and household members on the same day, and wash bedding, nightwear and towels on a hot wash (items that cannot be washed can be sealed in a bag for a few days).
- When to seek help: See a pharmacist or GP to confirm scabies and get the right treatment.
What it is
Scabies is a common, very itchy skin condition caused by tiny mites that burrow into the top layer of the skin. The itch is often worse at night and can be intense. A rash, with small spots and fine wavy lines called burrows, typically appears in places such as the finger webs, wrists, around the waist and in skin folds, though it can spread more widely. Scabies passes from person to person through close, prolonged skin-to-skin contact, which is why it spreads easily within households and between people who are in close contact. It is not a sign of poor hygiene — anyone can catch it. Because the itch can take some weeks to appear after the mites arrive, several people may be affected before anyone realises.
How it is treated
Scabies is treated with a medicated cream, usually permethrin, that is applied to the whole body from the neck down (and, in young children and older people, including the scalp and face), not just to the visible rash — the mites can be anywhere on the skin. The treatment is left on for the recommended time and then washed off, and the application is repeated after an interval to catch any mites that have since hatched. Crucially, everyone in the household and any other close contacts are treated at the same time, even if they have no symptoms, to stop the infestation passing back and forth. Bedding, nightwear and towels are washed on a hot wash. An important point to expect: the itch can carry on for a few weeks after successful treatment as the skin settles, and this does not mean the treatment has failed. For difficult or crusted scabies, an oral medicine such as ivermectin may be used under medical guidance.
For this condition, these medicines
Medicine classes used for Scabies
Each links to a full, dose-free guide — what it is, how it works, who can and cannot use it, side effects, interactions and FAQs.
Symptom checker
Symptoms that can point to Scabies
Scabies can be one cause of these symptoms. Each guide explains the other possible causes and the red-flag warning signs that mean you should get urgent help:
Beyond medication
Lifestyle and self-care
Treat all close contacts and household members on the same day, and wash bedding, nightwear and towels on a hot wash (items that cannot be washed can be sealed in a bag for a few days). To ease the itch while the skin recovers, a soothing moisturiser and cool, loose clothing can help. Avoid close skin-to-skin contact until treatment is complete.
When to get help
When to see a doctor
See a pharmacist or GP to confirm scabies and get the right treatment. Seek medical review if the rash does not improve after completing treatment correctly, if there are signs the skin has become infected, or if you, a contact or the person affected has a weakened immune system. Crusted (Norwegian) scabies — thick, scaly, widespread crusting — is highly contagious and needs prompt medical assessment.
Not sure how urgent it is? It is always OK to call NHS 111 for advice, day or night.
Answers
Scabies: frequently asked questions
What medicines are used for scabies?
Scabies is treated with a medicated cream, most often permethrin, applied to the whole body rather than just the rash and repeated after an interval to catch newly hatched mites. All household members and close contacts are treated at the same time, even without symptoms. For difficult or crusted scabies, an oral medicine such as ivermectin may be used under medical guidance.
Why am I still itchy after treatment?
It is normal for the itch to carry on for a few weeks after successful treatment while the skin calms down — this does not mean the treatment has failed or that you still have live mites. A soothing moisturiser can help. If the itch is getting worse, new burrows appear, or it has not settled after several weeks, see your pharmacist or GP for review.
Do I really need to treat everyone in the house?
Yes. Scabies spreads through close, prolonged skin contact, and people can carry the mites for weeks before they itch. Treating all household members and close contacts on the same day, even those with no symptoms, is essential to stop the infestation passing back and forth and returning.
Is scabies a sign of poor hygiene?
No. Scabies is caught through close skin-to-skin contact and can affect anyone, regardless of how clean they are or their home is. It is common and very treatable, so there is no need to feel embarrassed about seeking help.
Sources
Where this is drawn from
- NICE CKS: Scabies.
- NICE CKS: Scabies.
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