Prescription-strength permethrin treats scabies in adults and children over 2 months of age.
Scabies is a contagious skin condition caused by a microscopic mite called Sarcoptes scabiei. These tiny, eight-legged parasites burrow into the top layer of the skin, laying their eggs and triggering an allergic reaction in the host. Scabies are typically transmitted through close personal contact with an infected person, making it common in crowded living conditions, healthcare settings, or among family members.
The primary symptom of scabies is intense itching, which often worsens at night. This itching results from the body's immune response to the mite's presence and their burrowing activity. Other common symptoms include a pimple-like rash, redness, and small, raised tracks or burrows on the skin, particularly in areas with thin skin, such as between fingers, wrists, elbows, knees, and genitalia. Scratching the affected areas can lead to secondary bacterial infections.
Over-the-counter permethrin treats head lice in adults and children over 2 months of age.
Head lice are parasitic insects that infest the human scalp and feed on blood by biting the scalp. They are a common problem, especially among school-aged children. They are usually transmitted through close head-to-head contact or sharing personal items like combs, brushes, hats, or headphones.
Head lice are tiny, wingless insects with a brownish-gray color and are about the size of a sesame seed. When they bite the scalp to feed, they inject saliva that can cause itching, which is often the primary symptom of a head lice infestation. Redness or small red bumps on the scalp and neck are frequently present, along with itching, which can be quite intense. In some cases, individuals with head lice may also develop sores from excessive scratching. Detection of head lice typically involves finding live lice or their eggs (nits) attached to the hair shafts, usually near the scalp.