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What is the best antibiotic for scabies?

Published in Scabies Treatment 1 min read

The best treatment for scabies, according to current recommendations, is permethrin 5% cream (Acticin, Elimite).

It's important to note that permethrin is not an antibiotic. It's a neurotoxin specifically designed to paralyze and kill ectoparasites like the scabies mite. Antibiotics target bacteria, and scabies is caused by a mite infestation, not a bacterial infection.

Here’s why permethrin is considered the drug of choice:

  • Mechanism: Permethrin disrupts the nervous system of the scabies mite, leading to paralysis and death.
  • Effectiveness: It's highly effective in eradicating scabies infestations.
  • Safety: It is generally safe for use, especially in infants over 2 months and small children.