Some remedies for human scabies, such as benzyl benzoate or permethrin, must be applied directly to the skin and act by paralyzing the mite that causes scabies, causing it to die, reducing the duration of the disease and symptoms, such as intense itching of the skin and redness, for example. Furthermore, in some cases, the doctor may also prescribe ivermectin to be taken orally.
Human scabies is a skin disease, also known as scabies, which is caused by the Sarcoptes scabiei mite, transmitted through direct contact with the skin or clothing of people infected with scabies, causing symptoms such as intense itching that usually worsens at night, blisters or redness of the skin. Learn how human scabies is transmitted.
These remedies can be found in pharmacies or drugstores in the form of a cream, lotion or tablet, but should only be used with medical advice, as they have several contraindications and side effects.
The main remedies for human scabies are:
1. Benzyl benzoate
Benzyl benzoate is a medicine that acts on both the adult mite and the eggs of human scabies, paralyzing the mite and causing its death. This remedy can be found in the form of bar soap or liquid emulsion with the trade names Miticoçan, Benzoderm, Sanasar, Pruridol or Scabenzil and should be used directly on the skin, from the neck down.
It is important to wash your hands thoroughly after using benzyl benzoate, as accidental contact with your eyes, nose or mouth can cause irritation or redness, as well as headache, vomiting, diarrhea, shortness of breath, palpitations or seizures.
How to use: Benzyl benzoate liquid emulsion should be applied once a day, at night, after bathing, on damp skin, paying special attention to the areas between the fingers, armpits, belly and buttocks. Let the liquid emulsion dry, and reapply the emulsion. Put on your clothes, without drying your body. This emulsion must be removed in the shower the next morning. Benzyl benzoate liquid emulsion for use in children must be diluted with water before use.
Benzyl benzoate bar soap should also be used once a day, during the shower, on wet skin, creating foam and leaving it to act until the skin dries. Remove the product from the skin, washing with normal soap and drying the skin well.
2. Permethrin
Permethrin acts on the nerve cell membrane of the mite that causes human scabies, causing its death. This remedy can be found in the form of bar soap or creamy lotion, sold as a generic or under the trade name Kwell.
This remedy should only be used on the skin, from the neck down, and it is recommended to wash your hands thoroughly after use to avoid contact or accidental ingestion of permethrin with your eyes, mouth or nose.
How to use: Apply the creamy permethrin lotion, in a single dose, to clean, dry skin, lightly massaging the entire body from the neck to the soles of the feet. Leave it to act for around 8 to 14 hours, as advised by the doctor and remove the creamy lotion during the shower. The application of creamy permethrin lotion can be repeated 7 to 10 days after the first application.
Permethrin bar soap should also be used on the skin, during the shower, passing the soap for about 3 minutes, from the neck down, until a foam forms. Leave it to act for 10 minutes and then rinse. Repeat use after 7 days.
3. Ivermectin
Ivermectin, in tablet form, is generally used in people with immune system disorders or when topical medications are not effective and should be used in a single dose, as per medical advice.
This medicine should not be used by children under 5 years of age or less than 15 kg in body weight, pregnant or breastfeeding women or people with meningitis or asthma.
How to use: ivermectin tablets should be taken orally, with a glass of water, 1 hour before or 2 hours after eating. The recommended dose for human scabies varies depending on the person’s weight. Check the doses of ivermectin according to weight.
Remedies for human scabies in children
The remedies for human scabies in children are the same as those used in adults. These products must be applied in the same way, however, in the case of benzyl benzoate, for children up to 2 years old, one part of the liquid emulsion must be diluted to 2 parts of water, while for children between 2 and 12 years old, one part of the product must be diluted with 1 part of water.
Home remedy for human scabies
To complement the treatment, the ideal is to take hot baths, 2 to 3 times a day, with a neutral shampoo and soap, to prevent the growth of mites and the appearance of symptoms. Additionally, some home remedy options that can be used to aid treatment include a massage with warm olive oil, to soothe the skin and relieve itching, or taking a bath with chamomile tea. Learn how to prepare home remedies for human scabies.
These home remedies can help relieve symptoms, but should not be used alone or during the period of time in which the lotion applied to the skin is working.
