Treatment of scabies with special consideration of the approach in infancy, pregnancy and while nursing

Infestation of human skin with scabies mites remains an persistent problem in daily dermatological practice. There are several therapeutic regiments a gainst scabies which have been proven effective and without major side effe cts. Because of known neurotoxicity of lindane as well as intoxication/prob lems following systemic absorption of benzyl alcohol (the metabolite of ben zyl benzoate), these two compounds have to be considered with caution in ea rly childhood scabies as well as during pregnancy and nursing. The pharmaco logy and spectrum of clinical side effects of the approved anti-scabies pre parations (lindane, benzyl benzoate, crotamiton) as well as permethrin (not available in Germany) are reviewed.