What are the treatment methods for scabies?

　　Scabies is a contagious skin disease caused by parasitic mites. Treatment generally includes topical insecticidal creams, oral auxiliary medications, thorough disinfection of personal items, symptomatic itch relief, and simultaneous intervention for close contacts. Detailed treatment approaches are as follows:

　　1. Topical insecticidal creams: This is the primary treatment method and should be implemented under medical guidance using sulfur ointment, lindane cream, or crotamiton cream. After bathing, apply the cream evenly from the neck down to the soles of the feet, leave it on for 8–14 hours before washing it off, and repeat according to the prescribed course to directly kill the scabies mites and their eggs.

　　2. Oral auxiliary medications: For widespread or severe scabies, ivermectin tablets may be taken under a doctor's supervision. This medication works by inhibiting the nervous system of the mites. Combined with topical treatments, it enhances therapeutic effectiveness. Dosage must strictly follow weight-based calculations.

　　3. Thorough disinfection of personal items: During treatment, launder clothing, bedding, towels, etc., in boiling water for at least 20 minutes, then expose them to direct sunlight for four hours. Clean furniture and mattresses with a vacuum cleaner and spray disinfectant afterward to prevent residual mites from causing reinfection.

　　4. Symptomatic itch relief: When itching is severe, take loratadine tablets orally or apply calamine lotion as directed by a physician. Rapid itch relief reduces scratching, prevents skin damage and secondary infections, and aids in recovery.

　　5. Simultaneous intervention for contacts: Regardless of symptoms, family members and recent close contacts should undergo medical treatment and item disinfection simultaneously to prevent cross-infection, ensure complete treatment, and reduce recurrence risk.

　　During treatment, maintain clean and dry skin, and avoid scratching the affected areas. Strictly follow medical instructions for medication; do not alter dosages or discontinue treatment on your own. After recovery, maintain personal hygiene and avoid contact with suspected cases or contaminated objects.