Can scabies be cured?
Sep 03, 2025
Source: Cainiu Health
Dr. Liu Wenmin
Introduction
In general, scabies can be cured with standardized treatment measures. However, improper self-medication or inadequate care may lead to recurrence. Scabies is caused by the parasitism of scabies mites on the skin. After diagnosis, targeted topical insecticidal medications should be applied evenly over the skin according to the prescribed course. Additionally, personal clothing, bedding, towels, and similar items should be boiled or sun-dried for disinfection to kill any residual mites.
Generally, scabies can be cured, but standardized treatment measures are required. Self-medication or improper care may lead to recurrence of the condition. A detailed explanation is as follows:
Scabies is caused by the infestation of Sarcoptes scabiei mites on the skin. After diagnosis, targeted topical insecticidal medications should be applied evenly over the skin according to the prescribed course. At the same time, personal clothing, bed linens, towels, and similar items should be boiled or sun-dried for disinfection to kill any remaining mites. Most individuals can be cured within several weeks. If family members or close contacts develop similar symptoms, they should also receive treatment simultaneously to prevent cross-infection and ensure complete eradication of the mites.
If treatment is not properly followed—for example, if medication dosage is insufficient, the treatment duration is inadequate, or personal items are not disinfected—the remaining mites may continue to multiply, causing recurring symptoms such as itching and rashes. Some individuals might further aggravate skin discomfort by self-applying irritating ointments, potentially leading to skin damage and bacterial infection due to scratching, thereby prolonging recovery time.
In daily life, it is important to maintain clean and dry skin, avoid scratching to prevent infection, store and wash personal items separately, and refrain from sharing them with others.
