Ivermectin is a prescription medication taken as a pill to kill scabies mites and their eggs. However, in the United States, treating scabies with ivermectin is considered an unlabeled use of the medication.

People who have a severe or resistant form of scabies infestation, such as crusted (Norwegian) scabies, may be prescribed ivermectin in combination with medication applied to the skin, such as permethrin. It can be particularly helpful for treating HIV-infected people who have scabies.

Ivermectin may help get rid of or prevent scabies for people in group living situations, such as those who live in nursing homes.

Scabies treatment involves eliminating the infestation with medications. Several creams and lotions are available. You usually apply the medication over all your body, from your neck down, and leave the medication on for at least eight hours. Two medications commonly prescribed are permethrin (Elimite, Acticin) and crotamiton (Eurax). Although these medications kill the mites promptly, you may find that the itching doesn't stop entirely for several weeks.

Doctors sometimes prescribe oral medications for people with altered immune systems or for people who don't respond to the prescription lotions and creams. Because scabies spreads so easily, your doctor may recommend treatment for all family members and other close contacts, even if they show no signs of scabies infestation.

Scabies spreads quickly in crowded conditions where there is frequent skin-to-skin contact between people. Hospitals, child-care centers and nursing homes are examples.

Scabies can easily infect sex partners and other household members. Sharing clothes, towels, and bedding can also spread scabies.

You cannot get scabies from a pet. Pets get a different mite infection called mange.Symptoms are
* Pimple-like irritations or a rash
* Intense itching, especially at night
* Sores caused by scratching

Several lotions are available to treat scabies. The infected person's clothes, bedding and towels should be washed in hot water and dried in a hot dryer.