Scabies is uncomfortable, stressful, and frustrating to deal with, but it’s also very treatable. If you or someone in your home has it, you’re probably wondering how to get rid of scabies quickly and stop it spreading any further.
The good news is that with the right treatment and a bit of extra cleaning, most people recover without complications. This guide walks you through each step, so you know exactly what to do, what to expect, and how to keep it from coming back.
How to Get Rid of Scabies: Step-by-Step Treatment
Scabies feels miserable, but the plan to clear it is quite straightforward. You treat the mites on your skin, treat everyone who could have caught them, and clean the things you’ve used recently.
Here’s how to get rid of scabies in the house, step by step:
Step 1: Use Approved Scabies Treatments
You usually need a specific “scabies treatment” (a scabicide), not just a standard anti-itch cream. These are normally prescribed or supplied by a GP or pharmacist.
Topical Treatments
Topical scabies treatments are creams or lotions that kill the mites and their eggs. In the UK, permethrin 5% cream is the usual first choice. Malathion lotion may be used when permethrin isn’t suitable. Both work well when applied correctly and at the right time.
Apply the cream to the whole body: For most adults and older children, you apply the treatment from the neck down, covering every area of skin. This includes:
- The soles of your feet
- Between your fingers and toes
- Around the waistline and groin
- Under your nails (use a cotton bud if needed)
- The backs of the hands, under rings or watches
- Skin folds such as behind the knees or under the breasts
Some people need to treat more than this. A doctor or pharmacist may advise applying the cream to the scalp, hairline, neck, face, and ears—except the skin around the eyes. This is more common in infants, older adults, and people with weakened immune systems, because mites can appear in a wider range of areas.
Follow instructions carefully: Each product has a patient information leaflet that explains how long it should stay on the skin. Common guidance includes:
- Leave the cream on for the full recommended time, often 8–12 hours or overnight.
- Avoid washing your hands during this time. If you do, reapply the cream to the washed areas.
- If you shower, bathe, or wash any body part within the first 24 hours, reapply the treatment to that area.
- Put on clean clothes after applying the cream.
Oral Treatments
Sometimes creams and lotions are hard to use or do not fully work. In those situations, a doctor may consider a tablet treatment such as oral ivermectin.
Important things to know:
- Tablets are prescription-only and your doctor decides if they’re appropriate for you.
- Dose and timing are based on your weight and health, so you should not try to copy someone else’s regimen.
- Oral treatment is especially considered for resistant scabies, outbreaks in care homes or similar settings, or crusted (Norwegian) scabies under specialist care.
See a doctor
You can often start the process by speaking to a pharmacist, but you should see a GP or seek urgent advice (for example via NHS 111) if:
- The rash is on a baby, young child, or an older person. Pharmacy treatments are not used in children under 2 years old without GP input.
- You are pregnant or breastfeeding.
- You have a long-term skin condition (such as eczema) or a weakened immune system.
- Your skin is very crusted, thickened, or covered with scaly plaques (possible crusted scabies).
- You have already treated scabies correctly and you still keep getting new burrows or new areas of rash.
A doctor can confirm the diagnosis, choose between topical and oral treatment, and rule out other causes of itchy rashes.
Step 2: Treat Everyone in the Household
Scabies spreads through close, prolonged skin contact. By the time you notice the itch, you may already have passed it on to someone else in your home or to recent sexual partners.
So, it’s recommended that you:
- Treat everyone in your household at the same time, even if they have no symptoms yet.
- Make sure recent sexual partners are treated too (usually up to 8 weeks back).
This matters because people can carry scabies for weeks before they start itching. If one person is left untreated, they can re-infect everyone else, and you end up going round in circles.
Step 3: Cleaning and Home Care
The mites live on skin, not in the environment, but they can survive for a short time in fabric. Good cleaning on the day you start treatment helps stop them coming back.
Scabies mites usually do not survive more than 2–3 days away from human skin, so you only need to focus on things used in the last few days.
Wash clothes, bedding, and towels
On the first day of treatment, wash clothes, bedding, and towels used in the previous 3 days. Use a hot wash at 60°C or higher and dry them thoroughly, ideally in a hot tumble dryer.
This includes:
- Pyjamas and underwear
- Bed sheets, pillowcases, duvet covers
- Bath towels and hand towels
- Dressing gowns and nightwear
You do not need to keep washing everything every day after this, as long as treatment has been done correctly and everyone has been treated.
Seal items that can’t be washed
Some things are awkward to wash on a hot cycle, like delicate clothing, shoes, cushions and soft toys, extra blankets or duvets.
For these items:
- Place them in a sealed plastic bag or airtight container.
- Keep them stored away for at least 72 hours (3 days)so that any mites die off.
You don’t need to throw things away. Time out of use is usually enough.
Vacuum sofas, mattresses, and carpets
A thorough clean is usually all that’s required:
- Vacuum mattresses, sofas, and soft chairs where people sit or lie.
- Vacuum carpets and rugs in bedrooms and living spaces.
- Use strong suction and reach corners, seams, and edges.
- Empty or change the vacuum bag afterwards.
You don’t need fumigation or insecticide sprays in the home for ordinary scabies; routine cleaning and laundry are enough in most cases.
Step 4: Repeat Treatment
Scabies treatment often needs more than one round, even when everything has been done well.
For most standard treatments, you usually need two applications, about a week apart, for creams and lotions. The second round helps ensure that any newly hatched mites are removed before they mature and spread.
If tablets are used, doctors also plan more than one dose, spaced apart, as part of the treatment course.
Your role is to follow the timing your GP or pharmacist gives you and make sure everyone who was treated repeats their treatment on the same day.
How to Manage Itching After Scabies Treatment
Once you’ve treated scabies properly, the mites usually die quite quickly. However, the itch is slower to go. Your immune system is still reacting to dead mites, their eggs, and their waste, so your skin can stay itchy for 2 to 3 weeks, and sometimes longer.
This “post-scabies itch” can feel almost as bad as the original rash, but it does not always mean the treatment has failed.
1. Antihistamines
An antihistamine can help calm the itch and make it easier to sleep.
- Sedating antihistamines at night(for example, those that make you drowsy) can help you fall asleep and scratch less while you sleep.
- Non-drowsy antihistamines in the day may take the edge off the itch so you can get on with daily tasks.
Before you buy or take an antihistamine, it’s sensible to check with a pharmacist if you take other medicines, are pregnant, breastfeeding, or have long-term health conditions. Follow the dose on the packet or the instructions from your doctor.
2. Steroid or Menthol Creams
Topical products can soothe the skin and reduce inflammation.
Mild steroid creams
A short course of a mild steroid cream, such as 1% hydrocortisone, can calm red, inflamed patches once the mites have been treated. Use a thin layer on itchy, inflamed areas only, not all over your body. Avoid long-term use on delicate areas such as the face, groin, or skin folds unless a doctor tells you otherwise.
Menthol, crotamiton, or calamine-type creams
Non-steroid anti-itch products can also help:
- Crotamiton 10% cream is often suggested for post-scabies itch.
- Creams or lotions with menthol can give a cooling effect.
- Calamine-type lotions may soothe hot, prickly skin.
On top of this, regular emollients (moisturisers) help repair the skin barrier and reduce general irritation.
If any cream stings badly or makes the rash worse, wash it off and ask a pharmacist or GP for advice.
3. Be Patient
This part is frustrating, but it’s important. Itch often lingers for 2–3 weeks, and it can sometimes last up to 4–6 weeks or more, even when the treatment has worked. The creams used to treat scabies can also irritate dry or sensitive skin for a short time.
A few simple habits can help while you wait:
- Keep nails short to reduce skin damage from scratching.
- Use gentle, fragrance-free cleansers and moisturisers.
- Avoid long, hot baths or showers, which can dry and irritate the skin further.
- Wear loose, breathable clothing so fabric doesn’t rub sore areas.
4. Consult a Doctor If Symptoms Persist
Itching alone can carry on for a while, but some signs need a review.
Contact your GP, NHS 111, or a pharmacist urgently if:
- Itching is still very intense more than 2–4 weeks after the last treatment.
- You notice new burrows, new red lines, or a fresh rash in areas that were not affected before.
- The skin becomes hot, swollen, oozing, or painful(possible infection).
- You have a weakened immune system, are very young, are older, or are pregnant.
- You suspect crusted (Norwegian) scabies, where the skin becomes very scaly and thick.
A doctor can check whether:
- The original treatment was applied correctly.
- You may have been re-infested by an untreated contact.
- You need another course of scabies medicine or stronger anti-itch treatment.
How Long Does It Take to Recover from Scabies?
Scabies treatment works quickly, but the recovery takes longer than most people expect. The mites die soon after treatment, yet your skin needs time to calm down.
- The first 24 hours: Once you apply your treatment, the mites start to die within hours.Most people can return to work or school after 24 hours, as long as the first treatment has been done properly.
- The next 2–3 weeks: It’s normal for symptoms to linger. The itch often stays for 2–3 weeks, especially at night.The rash fades slowly, not all at once.Small red bumps may hang around in sweaty areas like the groin or armpits.
- Longer-lasting symptoms: For some people, recovery takes longer. Post-scabies itch can last up to 6–12 weeks, even though the mites are gone.This happens because your immune system is still reacting to the dead mites and their waste.
As long as the rash is improving overall and no new marks appear, this longer healing phase is usually normal.
How to Prevent Scabies from Coming Back?
Once you’ve treated scabies properly, your main goal is to stop it circling back into the household. Here’s how:
Make Sure Everyone Was Treated Properly
Scabies often comes back because someone close to you never got treated or did not use their treatment correctly.
To reduce that risk:
- Ensure every household member and any recent sexual partners were treated at the same time as you, even if they had no symptoms.
- Check that each person followed the full instructions (whole-body application, correct timing, and a second treatment at the right interval if advised).
Avoid Close Contact Until Treatment Is Complete
Scabies spreads through prolonged, close skin contact — things like sharing a bed, cuddling for long periods, or sexual contact. To prevent it coming back:
- Avoid sex or close physical contact until all recommended treatments are complete.
- Don’t share towels, bed linen, or clothing with anyone who has scabies until their full course of treatment is finished.
Make Cleaning and Vacuuming Part of Your Routine
Mites can survive on fabrics such as bedding or sofas for around 2–3 days, so washing and vacuuming are part of standard advice during and after treatment.
Right after treatment (and any repeat dose), plan a focused “decontamination day”:
- Wash bedding, towels, and clothes used in the last few days at 60°C or above, then tumble-dry hot if you can.
- Seal anything you can’t wash(like some cushions or soft toys) in airtight bags for at least 3 days.
- Thoroughly vacuum soft furnishings and mattresses– top, sides, seams, and crevices – plus carpets and rugs in bedrooms and living areas.
Then, keep things steady rather than extreme:
- Run a regular vacuuming routine(for example, daily or several times a week) on carpets, rugs and high-use sofas.
- Do a more detailed mattress and sofa vacuum every week or two while anyone is being treated, and again after the final treatment.
This helps clear shed skin, dust, and any stray mites from fabrics. If keeping up with vacuuming feels like a lot on top of everything else, a robot vacuum can quietly do much of the background work for you.
Here’s how a few eufy options can fit into a scabies-cleaning routine and then into your normal week.
eufy E28 Robot Vacuum & Mop with Portable Deep Cleaner
The eufy E28 is built as a 3-in-1 system: a robot vacuum, a mopping robot, and a detachable portable deep cleaner in one setup. It’s designed to handle both hard floors and fabrics, from carpets to sofas and stairs.
- 20,000 Pa turbo suction lifts debris from carpets and rugs, helping clear dust and shed skin.
- HydroJet™ mopping uses fast scrubbing and firm pressure for even cleaning on hard floors.
- DuoSpiral™ detangle brushes reduce hair wrapping, keeping suction consistent.
- The all-in-one station washes and dries the mop with warm air and stores dust in a 3L bag, so it’s easy to run cleaning cycles frequently.
You can set the robot for routine floor cleaning, then use the detachable cleaner to tackle spills and spots on carpets, sofas, and mattresses.
eufy X10 Pro Omni
The eufy X10 Pro Omni focuses on strong floor cleaning with as little input from you as possible. It combines 8,000 Pa suction with dual spinning mop pads and an all-in-one dock that empties, washes, refills and dries for you.
- High 8,000 Pa suction helps pull debris from carpets in bedrooms and living areas.
- MopMaster 2.0 applies pressure with spinning pads to scrub hard floors.
- Auto-lift mops rise when the robot crosses onto carpet.
- See™ obstacle detection recognises wires, toys, and shoes, so cleaning isn’t disrupted.
- The dock manages dirty water, clean water, and dust collection, keeping upkeep low.
This is a good “set and forget” option for maintaining both hard floors and mixed-floor rooms.
eufy Robot Vacuum E20
The eufy Robot Vacuum E20 is a flexible 3-in-1 design: it works as a robot vacuum, a stick vacuum, and a handheld vacuum in one device.
- Up to 30,000 Pa suction in handheld/stick mode for mattresses, sofa cushions, stairs, and bed frames, areas you’re advised to vacuum thoroughly during scabies cleanup.
- Up to 8,000 Pa suction in robot mode for everyday carpet and floor maintenance.
- The AeroTurbo™ five-stage filtration system is designed to capture up to 99.7% of very fine particles (down to around 0.3 microns) including dust, pollen, and mite debris, which can otherwise linger in carpets and upholstery.
- Triple-laser obstacle avoidance helps it move around beds and sofa legs.
- The auto-empty dock(3L bag) reduces how often you empty the bin.
You can rely on the robot for daily runs and switch to stick or handheld mode when you need more targeted cleaning.
eufy Robot Vacuum Omni S2
The eufy Robot Vacuum Omni S2 is a higher-end option aimed at deep, automated cleaning. It combines 30,000 Pa AeroTurbo™ Deep Cleaning System 2.0 with HydroJet™ Mopping System 2.0, and is designed to maintain peak suction for up to 90 days thanks to its airflow and filtration system.
What that means for you:
- Powerful cleaning on deep-pile carpets(up to about 5cm fibres), useful in bedrooms or lounges.
- HydroJet™ mopping with ozonated water for thorough hard-floor cleaning.
- Coverage to edges and corners, supported by DuoSpiral™ detangle brushes.
- A 12-in-1 UniClean™ station that handles mop washing, drying, dust emptying, and water management.
It suits households that want a highly automated system for long-term, whole-home cleaning.
Conclusion
Scabies takes time and patience to fully clear, but the steps are straightforward once you know what to do. By following approved treatments, cleaning your home carefully, and treating everyone in close contact, you give yourself the best chance of success. Managing the itch and keeping up simple routines also helps the recovery feel smoother. With the right approach, you can feel confident about how to get rid of scabies and stop it from coming back.
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FAQs
What is the fastest way to get rid of scabies?
The fastest way to get rid of scabies is to use an approved scabies treatment prescribed by a doctor. Topical creams or oral medication are the most effective options. Apply the treatment to the entire body as directed and make sure every household member is treated at the same time. Clean your home by washing clothes, bedding, and towels in hot water, and vacuum soft surfaces. Repeat treatment if recommended. Acting quickly, following instructions, and treating your environment together help speed up recovery and prevent reinfection.
Does scabies live in mattresses?
Scabies mites cannot live long away from human skin, but they can survive for up to two to three days in mattresses, bedding, and soft furniture. Because of this, cleaning your sleeping area is an important step during treatment. You do not need to throw away your mattress. Instead, vacuum it well, wash all bedding in hot water, and dry them on high heat. You can also leave the mattress unused for a few days if possible. These steps help ensure that any mites left behind die naturally and do not cause reinfection.
What triggers scabies?
Scabies is triggered by tiny mites that burrow into the skin. These mites spread through close and prolonged skin-to-skin contact. It’s common in households, childcare settings, and places where people stay close together. Scabies does not mean poor hygiene; anyone can catch it if they come into contact with an infected person. Sharing clothes, towels, or bedding can also contribute to the spread. Early treatment and proper cleaning help stop the condition from spreading further.
How can I treat scabies during pregnancy?
If you are pregnant and suspect scabies, speak to your doctor right away. Some topical treatments are considered safe during pregnancy, but you should never self-medicate. Your doctor will recommend the best option based on your condition and health needs. Follow instructions carefully and avoid using products not approved for pregnant women. Cleaning your home, washing clothes and bedding, and treating close contacts also remain important steps.
