Helped Over 500,000 patients with 98%+ satisfaction.

Connect & Get Personalized 1-to-1 Answers from Expert Doctors

DoctorSpring > Question Home

For scabies 5% permethrin or 1% permethrin.

Resolved Question:

Hi, My son has scabies, he's 16 months. I took him to the ER where he was diagnosed with scabies. They prescribed him a topically cream called Permethrin 1% but it is really hard to find that a pharmacy. It's getting worse and I wanted to know if I could use Permethrin 5% cream instead? How would it affect my 16 month old son? Please help.

Category: Community

Ask Your Own Question

Category: Family Physician-GP
 19 Doctors Online

Hello, Thank you for asking your query at DoctorSpring

Yes, there is no problem in using a 5 % Permethrin, in fact its more effective than 1% Permethrin. I suggest you to read the package directions carefully before using the medicine.and follow these steps:

  1. First, wash the skin properly with mild soap and pat it dry.
  2. Take the cream and massage it into the skin throughout the body. I suggest you also apply on soles and don't forget the underarms, groins and creases in the skin. Though it very rarely affects the scalp, its better you apply the cream on hairline, forehead and side of head
  3. Leave the cream on your skin for the entire night and wash it off the next day morning. Wear clean clothes after your bath.
  4. Itching might continue for a month even after treatment has ended. This is normal and nothing to worry about.

Hope this helps. Please feel free to ask follow-up questions.


Dr. John Monheit
Category: Family Physician-GP
Experience: 
Residecny: North Colorado Family Medicine
Medical School: The Chicago Medical Center
Dr. John Monheit and 4 other Medical Specialists are ready to help you

Users who read this, also read:

Make informed and better medical decisions.

Join the 500,000 people who found a smarter, quicker way to get Answers, Recommendations & Expert Opinions.

Expert Doctors at fingertips

Recommendation on next step. Second-opinion.Multi-specialty.

Save Time

Average time for answers: 6 hours.

Save Money

$35 for typical specialist consult vs. $120 for a local appointment.

Free Follow-ups

Clarify, ask further questions for free in private conversation.

100% Satisfaction

Money back guarantee for the 1st reply. MEDNET Quality Board.

Start My Consultation

CHAT NOW

About DoctorSpring.com

Doctor Spring is a novel online Doctor consultation platform where you can get your medical questions answered by leading Doctors. Just Submit your question and rest assured that you will consult a Doctor easily. Once you submit the question, the Doctor from the concerned specialty will reply within hours. You can always ask more questions or add details with follow-up question options and make it an online doctor chat. You may use this service to consult a specialty or for getting medical second opinion. All paid services come with a MEDNET quality assurance and 100% money back guarantee.

DoctorSpring in news