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.