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Scabies - Management
How should I advise someone to apply an insecticide?
- Apply the treatment to the whole body from the chin and ears downwards. Pay special attention to the fingers and toes and under the nails.
- People who are immunosuppressed, the very young and elderly should apply the insecticide to the whole body including the face and scalp.
- Apply the treatment to cool dry skin (i.e. not after a hot bath).
- Allow the lotion or cream to dry before dressing.
- Wash the treatment off after prolonged contact with the skin:
- Permethrin — 8 to 12 hours.
- Malathion — 24 hours.
- Reapply treatment if it is washed off during the treatment period (e.g. after hand washing).
In depth
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