Scabies: Treatment

Several types of lotions (1% lindane or 5% permethrin) can be applied to the body, and left on for 12-24 hours. This is usually sufficient, although it may be reapplied after a week if mites remain. Preparations containing lindane should not be used to treat pregnant women and infants. Itching can be lessened by the use of calamine lotion and antihistamine medications.

— Rosalyn Carson-DeWitt, MD