Understanding Scabisin Lotion and Its Purpose
Scabisin is a topical medication used to treat parasitic skin infestations, specifically scabies and pediculosis (lice infestations). The active ingredient is Lindane (gamma benzene hexachloride), a powerful insecticide that works by paralyzing and killing mites, lice, and their eggs. This medication is for external use only and is a prescription-only treatment due to potential side effects associated with improper use or overdose.
How to Apply Scabisin Lotion for Scabies: A Step-by-Step Guide
For the treatment of scabies, a single, comprehensive application is often sufficient, though a second treatment may be required after a week if live mites persist. Always follow your doctor’s specific instructions.
Preparation Before Application
- Take a warm bath or shower to clean the skin, but do not use harsh soaps or scrubs. Some guidelines recommend waiting at least one hour after bathing on wet skin to minimize absorption.
- Shake the Scabisin bottle well before use to ensure the contents are evenly mixed.
- Ensure your skin is completely clean and dry before starting the application.
- Wear disposable or non-absorbent gloves, especially if applying to another person.
The Application Process
- Cover the entire body: Apply a thin, even layer of Scabisin lotion to all skin surfaces, from the neck down to the toes. Be thorough, as mites can exist anywhere on the body.
- Pay attention to hidden areas: Ensure the lotion is rubbed into all skin folds, including behind the ears, between the fingers and toes, under the fingernails, the buttocks, and the groin. An old toothbrush can help apply it under the nails.
- Application for children: For infants and young children, the lotion must also be applied to the scalp, hairline, neck, temples, and forehead, as mites can affect these areas in younger patients.
- Avoid certain areas: Do not apply the lotion to the face, eyes, inside of the nose, mouth, or other mucous membranes. If accidental contact occurs, rinse immediately with water.
Post-Application
- Leave on for 8-12 hours: Allow the lotion to remain on the skin for the specified time, typically overnight. Avoid washing the treated area during this period.
- Wash off thoroughly: After the recommended time has passed, take a thorough bath or shower with soap and warm water to remove all traces of the medication.
How to Apply Scabisin for Head Lice
When treating head lice, a different application method is used for the hair and scalp.
The Application Process
- Apply to dry hair: Massage 30–60 ml of the 1% shampoo formulation (or as directed) into dry hair, ensuring the scalp is thoroughly covered. The amount needed varies with hair length.
- Leave for 4 minutes: Allow the shampoo to remain on the hair and scalp for approximately four minutes.
- Create a lather and rinse: Add a little water at a time to create a lather, then rinse thoroughly until no suds are visible.
- Comb out nits: After the hair is dry, use a fine-toothed nit comb to remove dead lice and their eggs.
Important Safety Precautions
- Prescription only: Scabisin is a prescription medication and should only be used as directed by a healthcare professional.
- Avoid broken skin: Do not apply the lotion to open wounds, severely irritated skin, or crusted sores, as this can increase systemic absorption and the risk of side effects.
- Use gloves: When applying to yourself or others, use disposable gloves to protect your hands and prevent self-infestation or spreading.
- Do not overuse: Do not apply more than the recommended amount or more frequently than prescribed. Overuse can lead to harmful effects due to systemic toxicity.
- Avoid post-shower application: Do not use the lotion immediately after a hot bath or shower, as wet, warm skin can increase absorption and potential neurotoxicity. Wait at least one hour.
Scabisin (Lindane) vs. Permethrin-based Lotions
Many antiparasitic lotions are available, and Scabisin, which contains Lindane, differs from some common alternatives like Permethrin. Choosing the correct treatment is essential and should be done with a healthcare provider.
| Feature | Scabisin (Lindane) Lotion | Permethrin-based Lotions/Creams |
|---|---|---|
| Primary Active Ingredient | Lindane (Gamma Benzene Hexachloride) | Permethrin |
| Application for Scabies | From neck down, left on for 8-12 hours | From neck down (head for infants/elderly), left on for 8-14 hours |
| Application for Lice | Shampoo formulation for dry hair, left on for 4 minutes | Lotion for damp hair, left on for 10 minutes |
| Systemic Absorption | Higher potential for systemic absorption and neurotoxicity; caution for certain patients | Lower risk of systemic absorption; considered safer for infants and certain groups |
| Use in Children | Not recommended for premature infants; use in children only if prescribed and supervised by a doctor | Approved for use in children as young as 2 months for scabies and lice |
| Side Effects | Risk of neurological side effects (e.g., seizures), especially with overuse or on damaged skin | Common side effects generally limited to mild skin irritation, itching, or tingling |
Post-Treatment Care and Environmental Cleaning
To prevent reinfestation, it is critical to sanitize your environment and treat close contacts. Scabies is highly contagious and spreads through direct, prolonged skin contact.
- Treat household members and close contacts: All close contacts, especially sexual partners and household members, should be examined for infestation and may need treatment to prevent reinfestation.
- Wash all linens and clothing: Wash all bedding, clothing, towels, and other fabrics used in the last 72 hours in hot water ($>60°C$) and dry them on a hot cycle. Items that cannot be washed can be sealed in a plastic bag and stored for at least three days.
- Vacuum surfaces: Thoroughly vacuum furniture, carpets, and car interiors.
Conclusion
Applying Scabisin lotion correctly is a detailed process that, when followed carefully, is effective in treating scabies and lice. Key steps include applying the product to clean, dry skin, adhering strictly to the recommended application duration, and ensuring thorough washing afterwards. Because Scabisin contains Lindane, adherence to safety precautions—such as avoiding use on broken skin, wearing gloves, and proper dosage—is vital to prevent serious side effects. Combined with post-treatment environmental sanitation, the correct application ensures the successful eradication of parasites and prevents their recurrence. Always consult a healthcare provider before use and for any questions regarding treatment.
For additional information on permethrin-based treatments, refer to the MedlinePlus drug information page.
