How to Kill Parasites With Skin Treatments

Nothing makes your skin crawl like parasites. The very idea of bugs burrowing in your skin is repugnant to most people. However, no one has to live with skin parasites for long. Topical skin treatments are available to treat scabies and lice, the two main forms of skin parasites. Success depends not only on following the proper course of treatment, but also on cleaning all bedding, upholstery and clothes to eradicate the places these highly contagious, mobile parasites can hide.

Instructions

• 1

  Visit your doctor to find out what kind of parasite you have. Scabies and body lice have similar symptoms and body, head and pubic lice are actually different species of bugs. Your doctor will need to identify the bug that's bothering you so she can prescribe the appropriate treatment.

• 2

  Apply your permethrin cream prescription from head to toe to rid yourself of scabies. Approximately one week later, apply the second treatment. Read your prescription for the exact number of days, which can vary based on your case. Two applications usually form a complete treatment if you have properly washed your clothes and bedding to prevent reinfection. Although the cream may kill off the scabies mites, expect the symptomatic itch to continue for several more weeks.

• 3

  Shampoo, wash or apply your lindane prescription for scabies. Lindane is an older medication that is very powerful and not safe for children, pregnant women or those with compromised immune systems. Doctors still occasionally use it on severe cases of scabies. Lindane comes in three forms: cream, body wash and shampoo. Use as directed for your preferred form of lindane. Treatments should take place a week apart.

• 4

  Wash yourself with soap and hot water to end a body lice infestation. Sometimes, this is enough, provided you also wash your clothes, bedding and clean your furniture upholstery. If this isn't sufficient, use an over-the-counter lice treatment. Follow directions carefully as misuse of these powerful chemical shampoos can be damaging.