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Suggest Treatment For Scabies On Face And Scalp

Posted on Sat, 2 Jul 2016

Question: I've been to two different doctor's. I was diagnosed with scabies. I have it in my scalp and face, but both doctor's said I can't get it in my scalp or face. They prescribed me permethrin, which hasn't worked for me. My scalp is so infected that I'm so miserable and I don't know what to do. I have them in my feet and hands too. The rest of my body is okay and I don't seem to have a problem getting rid of them. My issues are scalp, face, hands and feet. I notice there is a pill called ivermectin. Would this help for my scalp and face? Don't know what to do. Help, please

Answered by Dr. Shoaib Khan (1 hour later)

Brief Answer:
Here is a list of treatment approaches you can try for scabies

Detailed Answer:
Hello ma'am and welcome.

Thank you for writing to us.

I have gone through your query with diligence and would like you to know that I am here to help. I am really sorry to hear about your unfortunate ordeal, and I feel your pain and frustration as I too had scabies during my medical school days and really struggled, although permethrin really helped me.

Sadly, as I am not physically present with you, it does make helping you a little difficult, but what I can most certainly do is guide you. Let me go ahead and list all the treatment approaches we have to help deal with scabies, they are:

+ Permethrin: Which has not really helped you
+Lindane lotion: It is also an application like permethrin, but should be prescribed when permethrin does not work, so you can try and get your hands on this; in the USA it is marketed under the same name
+Ivermectin: Yes, this is an oral medication and is a little strong, but is used and prescribed when topical lotions and applications do not help; sold under the brand name stromectol in the USA
+Crotamiton lotion can also be used when other lotions fail, but should be applied once a day for 2 days, and not more

I really wanted to help you when I read your query and thought I could do so by at least providing you with this information. Please feel free to write back to me about any further clarifications, I am always here to help.

Best wishes.

Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Chakravarthy Mazumdar

Follow up: Dr. Shoaib Khan (2 days later)

Thank you!! I went back to the doctor and he prescribed me ivermectin 3mg tablets (2 1/2 pills). This was just one dose. Is this enough? He is having me come back in 14 days. I read on the internet where you had to take it again in 7 to 10 days. I believe it might not be has strong as the doctor prescribed me though.Is one dose enough? Do you know how long it takes for the ivermectin to kill scabies? I'm on my second day. Thanks for your help. XXXXXXX

Answered by Dr. Shoaib Khan (11 hours later)

Brief Answer:
Dosage is correct, and it may be better to repeat the dose in 2 weeks time

Detailed Answer:
Hello once again ma'am.

Yes ma'am, it should suffice. And if required, you can repeat the dose in 2 weeks (14 days) as mentioned by your doctor, he is right with the dosage and the estimation ma'am. Don't worry and follow the doctors instructions, I hope and pray all will be well soon ma'am.

Best wishes.

Note: For further follow up on related General & Family Physician Click here.

Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Chakravarthy Mazumdar