Recurring Scabies

Hi.  My husband and I are battling scabies.  At first we thought it was body lice.  But then we went through 4 treatments of permetherin cream.  Now, I am finding sores and am itching on the back of my scalp.  My hair is very short  because we also had head lice and I had my husband buzz cut my hair to make it easier to comb the nits out.  I know we don't have head lice anymore because I had my doctor examine me three times and had a professional lice clinic come out and check us both to make sure the lice were gone.  
My doctor is now giving me a 5th treatment of permetherin cream and has intructed me to apply the cream to my scalp as well.  Most of my scabies sores have been on my jawline and face, behind my ears, chest, upper back and back of my arms and the inside of my knees and belly, and between my fingers.

My husband has the sores mostly on his chest, belly and groin, and arms.

How common is it for an adult to have scabies on the scalp?  If this treatment fails, should I ask for Lindane or Ivermectin?

[Bhupinder Kaur, MD]

Hello,
It is very rare for scabies to effect the scalp and face. Permethrin and oral ivermectin are the treatment options of scabies. Sometimes there may be recurrent and chronic cases which may require oral treatment of ivermectin. Your case may be amongst these. Also permethrin has to be used head to the bottom of the feet, paying special attention to skin folds and the webs between fingers and toes and this cream has to be left for 10-14 hours. So follow up with your dermatologist and use the cream as directed. You can also discuss and get prescribed oral ivermectin.

It is very difficult to precisely confirm a diagnosis without examination and investigations and the answer is based on the medical information provided. For exact diagnosis, you are requested to consult your doctor. I sincerely hope that helps. Take care and please do keep me posted on how you are doing.