HealthWise KnowledgeBase
Permethrin Cream 5% for Scabies
What To Think About
Itching commonly continues for up to several weeks after treatment with a scabies medicine. This doesn't mean that the scabies mites are still alive. It means that the body is still reacting to the mites and their feces.
Unless your doctor recommends it, do not apply permethrin scabies medicine (Elimite) more than once. Overuse of scabies medicines can irritate the skin and may increase the risk of side effects.
Nonprescription permethrin 1% is used to treat Reference lice Opens New Window but is not strong enough to cure Reference scabies Opens New Window.
Complete the new medication information form (PDF) 
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| By: | Reference Healthwise Staff | Last Revised: March 14, 2011 |
| Medical Review: | Reference Kathleen Romito, MD - Family Medicine
Reference Alexander H. Murray, MD, FRCPC - Dermatology |
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