Is Permethrin Cream Safe And Effective In Treatment Of Scabies?

Posted on Tue, 6 Jan 2015

Medically reviewed by Ask A Doctor - 24x7 Medical Review Team

Tue, 6 Jan 2015 Answered on

Thu, 5 Feb 2015 Last reviewed on

Question : My 24 yr old grandson lives with us (grandparents) and was just diagnosed with scabies. He said we haveto also take permethrin cream even though neither of us have any rash or itch or signs of scabies. Do we and why?

Answered by Dr. Kathy Robinson (55 minutes later)

Brief Answer:
not necessarily

Detailed Answer:
Hello and thank you for your question. Some doctors recommend that everyone in the household get treated if there is a scabies outbreak but if you have no signs or symptoms it is okay to wait and see. It is important for all linen, towels, furniture that your grandson has used be cleaned thoroughly and the linens be washed in hot water. I wish you the best and hope that no one else is affected.

Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Yogesh D

Follow up: Dr. Kathy Robinson (2 days later)

Does anyone know how you get them (other then bad luck as Dr. told grandson) and what happens to mites after you do the cream treatment.

Answered by Dr. Kathy Robinson (9 hours later)

Brief Answer:
scabies are transferred by contact

Detailed Answer:
Hello and thanks for your follow up. Scabies are a small insect and they can be transmitted by person to person contact or by contact with clothing, linens, furniture or other items that have been in contact with a person with the infestation. The mites and hopefully all their eggs are killed with the cream treatment then just washed off the body when you shower. Good health to you.

Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Vinay Bhardwaj