What Are the Pros and Cons of Using Permethrin for Scabies?

I’ve had scabies, and I’m still scared in case I still have them, but I'm waiting because what’s the worst that can happen? They’re harmless, but I must admit, they’re creepy little things, but no need to panic. I’ve given up making a fuss and scrubbing, etc. Just try what your doctor gave you. Suck it up and keep telling yourself it’s all in your head.

If you still have stuff after two weeks try another. It’s not easy. Believe me, I’ve cried over this. Nothing works apart from stuff that’s available from doctor or over the counter.

I’ve tried clove oil, but it just stinks and stings! I’ve tried bleach baths, which just sting and smell strong, I’ve tried lots different soaps, etc., but I gave up.

Just stick to legal and tested stuff and do it one at time. That’s what I’m doing. Boil and wash everything and tumble dry it, but bag all clothes, curtains, blankets, etc in trash bags and tie them. Check for holes, etc., and do it bag by bag, slowly. Try to live a normal life because it’s not easy. I’m keeping my son out of nursery until I know for sure they are gone!

I used permethrin five days in a row and still I feel the mites jumping on my face now and then, especially in the early evening (I have demodex mites). I have never really felt itchy but just feel them crawling and pinging (maybe jumping or coming out of their burrows?). Surely I can't still be imagining that?

I would just be glad to be rid of these things as I have tried so many remedies (this being the most effective so far) and don't know what to do next. I would be grateful for any ideas.

@literally45: You didn't pay enough attention to your doctor, then. Permethrin likely killed your scabies, however they are still in your skin and need to be purged by the body, along with all of their feces they left behind. The corpses of the scabies and their waste products will still cause an itching sensation for up to two weeks. You should, however, should be feeling relief from the crawling sensation they were generating.

@literally45- Some mites develop immunity to permethrin causing the cream to be ineffective.

@literally45-- Actually, permethrin cream might have worked for you. You need to give it more time to be sure. It's normal to have itching and even some new spots appear for a while after using the cream. With me, I think I continued to itch for another two weeks, although the permethrin had treated my scabies. So it's too soon to decide whether it has worked or not.

I have heard of people using permethrin more than once but I think they do that on their own, without the approval of their doctor. You can do it, but at your own risk. You might end up irritating your skin with it.

I think it's better to use permethrin once but keep it on as long as possible before washing it off. It will just give the medicine more time to kill the mites. This might also irritate skin though, so again, do it at your own risk.

Overall, my view is that permethrin is a really effective treatment and much safer than some of the alternatives, even some natural treatments.

I was prescribed permethrin by my doctor and used it several days ago. I applied it before going to bed and took a shower in the morning. Things seemed better for about half a day and then I started itching again. The next day, there were new scabies bumps on my skin.

Clearly, the permethrin didn't work but I have no idea why. My doctor said it's very effective. I kind of want to use it again but I know I'm not supposed to. I wonder if I didn't keep it on long enough the first time I used it.