InfectoScab

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Medically reviewed

Laura Arias

Last updated on 22/12/2025

This page provides general, reference-level information compiled from official medical sources. It is not a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. For decisions about your health, please consult a qualified healthcare professional.

Overview of InfectoScab

Quick Facts

Property Description
Active ingredient Permethrin 5%
Form Topical Cream
Pharmacological class Acaricide / Insecticide (Pyrethroid)
Common use Eradication of parasitic skin infestations
Origin Synthetic

What is InfectoScab?

InfectoScab is a specialized brand of medicine used externally on the skin to treat parasitic infestations by killing mites and their eggs. This product is formulated as a 5% cream designed for topical administration and is classified as an acaricide (a substance that kills mites). The brand, often associated with InfectoPharm, is well-recognized in several markets for its specific, high-efficacy formulation.

The medicine's active component is Permethrin (INN), a synthetic compound that belongs to a class of chemicals called pyrethroids. Permethrin is one of the most frequently recommended agents for the first-line treatment of scabies worldwide. This means the medicine is considered a highly reliable and established tool for quickly and effectively eliminating the source of the infestation.


What Type of Medicine is InfectoScab Cream?

InfectoScab cream is scientifically categorized as an acaricide and insecticide due to its ability to kill arachnid pests (mites) and insects (lice). It is a single-ingredient medicine, meaning its activity comes solely from the 5% concentration of Permethrin. This ingredient is utilized as a topical treatment for conditions requiring parasite elimination.

The cream formulation is an emulsion—a mix of water and oil—that provides a stable and non-greasy vehicle to deliver the medicine precisely where the parasites live on the skin's surface. Permethrin is a primary topical treatment available for human scabies. This reflects the medical consensus that this cream is a strong first-choice option for patients.

This focus on external application helps limit systemic exposure while ensuring direct contact with the infestation. In many countries, the 5% Permethrin cream is sold as a prescription (Rx) product, underscoring its medical strength and targeted use.

Regulatory References

  1. Permethrin Cream 5% w/w - DailyMed
  2. NIH Scabies Treatment Guidelines
  3. Permethrin - StatPearls - NCBI Bookshelf - NIH
  4. Permethrin Cream 5% w/w - DailyMed (Inactive Ingredients)
  5. Permethrin Cream 5% w/w - DailyMed (Clinical Pharmacology)

What side effects are possible with InfectoScab?

Possible Side Effects and Safety Information

The safety profile of InfectoScab (Permethrin 5% cream) primarily involves localized reactions at the application site, as detailed in regulatory documents.

Adverse reactions are classified by frequency based on standard regulatory conventions:

Frequency Associated Adverse Reactions
Common (ge 1/100 to <1/10) Paraesthesia (tingling/prickling), Skin burning sensation, Pruritus (itching), Erythematous rash, Dry skin.
Rare Headache, Dyspnoea (shortness of breath) (in sensitive/allergic patients).
Very Rare Excoriation, Folliculitis, Skin hypopigmentation.
Not Known Contact dermatitis, Urticaria (hives), Nausea, Vomiting, Seizure (convulsion), Dizziness, Fever.

These effects are largely categorized under Skin and subcutaneous tissue disorders and Nervous system disorders.

Time-Related Safety Patterns

The most frequently documented effects, such as the skin burning sensation and tingling, are typically mild and transient, occurring soon after application. Furthermore, regulatory documents note that the itching associated with the condition may persist for up to four weeks after treatment is completed; this post-treatment pruritus is generally considered a reaction to dead mites and is not necessarily an indication of treatment failure.

Safety Constraints and Specific Populations

The medicine is contraindicated in patients with a known hypersensitivity to the active substance, other pyrethroids, or any excipients. Safety constraints regarding age state that use in infants under two months has not been established. For pregnant individuals, the cream should be used only if clearly needed. Regulatory information also advises caution to prevent contact with the eyes or mucous membranes, as this may cause marked irritation.

Overdose and Emergency Response

Overdose and When to Seek Help

The information in this section is based on officially documented overdose statements found in government regulatory labeling for Permethrin 5% cream, the active ingredient in InfectoScab.

Regulatory documents outline two main scenarios: excessive topical use and accidental ingestion.

Overdose Scenario Documented Manifestations
Excessive Topical Use Increased local irritation and erythema (redness).
Accidental Ingestion Systemic signs may include nausea, vomiting, headache, dizziness, and convulsion.

Accidental ingestion requires the most urgent attention. Regulatory guidance states that if the cream’s contents are swallowed, the user must seek immediate medical attention or contact a Poison Control center (e.g., 911 or 1-800-222-1222).

Officially Described Supportive Measures

For ingestion, general supportive measures should be employed. Gastric lavage should be considered if medical consultation occurs within two hours of the ingestion event. For excessive skin use, treatment is typically symptomatic to manage local reactions.

Regulatory information notes that even if a young child were to accidentally ingest the entire contents of a tube, overt signs of systemic toxicity are classified as unlikely due to the low systemic absorption rate of the topical formulation. There is no specific antidote officially documented.

Therapeutic Uses of InfectoScab

Quick Facts: InfectoScab

  • Primary therapeutic area: Management of scabies.
  • Indication: Addresses infestations caused by Sarcoptes scabiei mites.
  • Goal of therapy: Supports the process of eliminating the mites from the skin.

InfectoScab is a topical medication indicated for the management of scabies, a condition of the skin resulting from infestation by the mite Sarcoptes scabiei. The principal application of this cream is to address the mite population on the skin surface. Its use is an established part of the therapeutic protocol for confirmed scabies infestations.

The medication is utilized to support the complete elimination of the mites and their developmental forms from the skin. Therapeutic use may assist in managing the characteristic symptoms associated with the condition, such as persistent itching and skin irritation. The application is typically restricted to the affected skin areas from the neck down, but may include the scalp in specific patient groups.

Successful use is associated with the resolution of the underlying parasitic cause of the condition. While symptom relief is a key objective, it is important to note that the itching may continue for a period following effective mite eradication. A qualified healthcare professional should oversee the treatment plan and provide specific guidance for administration.

Eligibility and Restrictions for Use

Official Population Eligibility for InfectoScab Cream

The eligibility for InfectoScab is strictly defined by regulatory authorities based on age, known hypersensitivity, and physiological state.

Contraindications (Who Must Not Use): The medicine is contraindicated for any individual with a known hypersensitivity to the active ingredient, permethrin, or to any related substances classified as synthetic pyrethroids or pyrethrins. This exclusion also applies to hypersensitivity to any other component of the cream formulation. Use in patients with known sensitivity to chrysanthemums is restricted to only when strictly indicated.

Age-Related Eligibility: Use is approved for adults, adolescents, and children two months of age and older. However, for infants under two months of age, safety and effectiveness have not been established, and they are not eligible for treatment. Children between two and twenty-three months of age have limited clinical experience, requiring treatment to be given only under close medical supervision.

Conditional Use: InfectoScab should be used during pregnancy only if clearly needed (FDA Category B). Nursing mothers are advised to consider temporary discontinuation of nursing or withholding the drug while receiving treatment. No specific restrictions based on hepatic or renal impairment are explicitly listed in primary regulatory labeling.

What should I know about interactions with other medicines?

Interactions with other medicines and products

InfectoScab (Permethrin 5% cream) has an interaction profile characterized by a low risk of systemic drug-drug interactions. Authoritative regulatory documents, including the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) and the European Medicines Agency (EMA), consistently state that no interactions are known between InfectoScab and other systemic medicinal products, food, or alcohol. This finding is attributed to the active ingredient's very limited systemic absorption, which minimizes the potential for metabolic or transporter-mediated interactions.


Interaction Scope Official Regulatory Statement
Documented Interactions: None known. No drug-drug, drug-food, or drug-herb interactions are listed in official regulatory labeling.
Exposure-Modifying Substances: None known. No co-administered substances are listed as altering the concentrations of InfectoScab.

The only specific constraint documented in official regulatory text is a pre-treatment administration restriction concerning certain topical dermatological treatments. The labeling notes that the use of topical corticosteroids for treating eczematous-like skin reactions should be withheld prior to the application of InfectoScab cream. This is a procedural constraint designed to avoid the potential exacerbation of the underlying infestation, and it is not classified as a severe drug-drug interaction. The official regulatory text explicitly notes the likelihood of this causing potentiated adverse effects is small. This profile confirms a low potential for clinically significant interactions with systemic medications.

Mechanism of Action

InfectoScab's function is centered on the neurotoxic action of Permethrin, a synthetic pyrethroid, which is designed to result in the elimination of the target parasite by disrupting its nervous system. This selective effect exploits specific biological vulnerabilities in the Sarcoptes scabiei mite.

Targeted Disruption of Ion Channel Function

Permethrin's primary action involves modulating Voltage-Gated Sodium Channels ( VGSCs) on the parasite's nerve cell membranes. The drug binds to these channels, preventing them from closing normally (inactivation), which leads to an uncontrolled and massive influx of sodium ions ( Na^+). This crucial molecular event results in the disruption of the nerve cell's ability to maintain its normal electrical charge.

Cascade to Neuromuscular Paralysis

The sustained influx of Na^+ causes the mite's entire nervous system to enter a state of hyperexcitability, characterized by repetitive and continuous nerve firing. This uncontrollable overstimulation rapidly transitions into flaccid paralysis of the mite's muscles, including those necessary for movement and breathing, which is the direct physiological process leading to the death of the parasite.

Dosage and Administration Information

InfectoScab is a brand name for the 5% Permethrin cream formulation, which is authorized for topical, cutaneous use only and must not be ingested or applied to mucous membranes.


Official Administration Protocol

The standard regimen is based on a single application of the cream, which is typically sufficient for the authorized indication. A single dose for an average adult is defined as up to 30 grams of cream. The use protocol is highly procedural and depends on the mandated contact time and area of coverage.

Application Requirements

The cream must be massaged thoroughly into clean, dry, cool skin over the entire body surface. For adults, the cream is applied from the neck to the soles of the feet. The cream requires a mandatory contact time of 8 to 14 hours before being completely removed by washing (shower or bath).

Dosing for Specific Populations

Age Group Approximate Dose Range (per single application) Administration Requirement
Adults Up to 30 grams Applied neck to soles of the feet.
Older Adults Up to 30 grams Application must include the hairline, neck, and temples.
Children 6–12 years Up to 15 grams Full body coverage.
Infants 2–5 years Up to 7.5 grams Application must include the face, ears, and scalp.

Reapplication is an intermittent consideration; a second treatment is only permitted 7 to 14 days after the first application, and only if evidence of persistent infestation is observed. The focus is on a single, short-term course of treatment.

Recent Clinical Evidence

Research Evidence / Overview of Studies for InfectoScab

Evidence for Use in Classical Scabies

The main body of evidence for classical scabies—a condition where symptoms may vary in intensity—is built upon Randomized Controlled Trials (RCTs) and comprehensive Systematic Reviews. These studies explored how symptoms change over time by examining the rate of mite elimination (clinical clearance) and outcomes related to physical discomfort, such as changes in skin lesions and the severity of itching. The study populations typically included adults, children (two months of age and older), and older adults. Systematic reviews describe patterns observed in the studies that describe Permethrin 5% cream as a standard topical agent studied for this condition. The research highlights changes measured, with follow-up commonly assessed at the four-week mark to monitor clearance. What remains uncertain is the full extent of the long-term patterns, and evidence suggests reports of potential mite resistance have been observed in some regions.

Evidence for Use in Crusted (Severe) Scabies

Crusted scabies is a severe condition marked by a high mite burden. The evidence base is more limited, mainly consisting of Case Series and Retrospective Analyses, with limited Randomized Controlled Trials. Studies monitored outcomes such as the rate of clinical clearance and the reduction in severe crusting. Research was evaluated in settings with varying symptom burdens, including immunocompromised individuals. Findings frequently described the need for extended follow-up periods to monitor clinical resolution. Given the limited number of studies, the certainty remains low, and evidence quality varies across studies for this specific indication.

Evidence in Special Populations

Research has evaluated the treatment in several specific patient groups where the condition and treatment may require special consideration. Research has evaluated the treatment in children typically two months of age and older. However, data for certain groups remain insufficient, particularly for infants under two months of age. For immunocompromised patients, the cream was studied for individuals with crusted scabies and comorbidities. Results apply only to the populations studied. Data for subgroups, such as pregnant or breastfeeding women, are often based on limited observational evidence, meaning that subgroup findings are uncertain.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Common questions about InfectoScab (FAQ)

Q: How quickly should I expect InfectoScab to start working?

The medicine's active ingredient is designed to rapidly disrupt the nervous system of the target parasite, resulting in their elimination. However, patients should be aware that skin symptoms like itching may persist for an extended period. Studies and official information indicate this post-treatment itching can continue for up to four weeks after the application is finished.

Q: What is the general duration of use for InfectoScab?

Official protocols for InfectoScab describe the standard course of treatment as a single application of the cream. The authorized indication is described as a single-application treatment regimen. A second application is permitted only if necessary and must be done 7 to 14 days after the initial treatment.

Q: Can elderly patients use InfectoScab?

Yes, the medicine is approved for use in adults, which includes older adults. Official protocols include specific requirements for this group, noting that the cream must be applied to the hairline, neck, and temples in addition to the body surface.

Q: Is it true that InfectoScab needs to be used exactly as prescribed?

Official regulatory documents describe a highly procedural use protocol for InfectoScab. These protocols specify a mandatory contact time, typically 8 to 14 hours, before the cream is washed off. Full body coverage is also required, which highlights the procedural nature of the treatment.

Q: Is it normal to feel a tingling sensation after using InfectoScab?

Yes, a tingling or prickling sensation, called paresthesia, is classified as a common side effect in official regulatory documents. These sensations occur at the application site and are usually described as mild and temporary.

Q: How does the drug work inside the body after application?

The active ingredient is formulated to be used externally on the skin and is characterized by very limited systemic absorption into the bloodstream. Regulatory documents cite this low absorption as the reason for the low risk of interaction with other systemic medicines.

Q: How soon after starting treatment can I expect the itching to stop?

It is important to know that the itching associated with the underlying condition may continue for an extended time after the treatment is complete. According to official safety information, this post-treatment pruritus (itching) is common and may persist for up to four weeks as a documented reaction to the dead parasites.

Q: Does InfectoScab have a special smell or texture?

The cream is described in regulatory information as a thick, white emulsion—a stable mix of water and oil. Inactive ingredients are included to ensure the product has a specific consistency and is non-greasy for topical application.

Q: I've heard of another medicine for the same condition, how is InfectoScab different?

InfectoScab is a brand name for the active ingredient Permethrin 5% cream. This substance is scientifically classified as an acaricide (a type of medicine used against mites). Permethrin is widely described in medical literature as a first-line topical treatment for this specific parasitic condition.

Q: Are there any long-term effects of using InfectoScab?

The medicine is for a single-application treatment regimen. Official documents on research evidence state that the full extent of long-term patterns following treatment remains uncertain.

Q: Is it okay to use InfectoScab if I have other skin conditions like eczema?

Official safety documents describe that localized reactions such as pruritus (itching) or rash, including those resembling pre-existing conditions, may temporarily occur. Official labeling also advises against using certain topical corticosteroids before application.

Q: Are there any mental side effects associated with InfectoScab?

The list of documented side effects includes effects classified under Nervous system disorders, such as headache and dizziness. In rare instances, regulatory information also lists seizure (convulsion) as a reported effect.

Q: Why do doctors prescribe InfectoScab instead of older medicines?

The active component, Permethrin, is widely described in global treatment guidelines as a first-line agent for this condition. A systematic review cited by official sources concluded that the active ingredient is considered a highly effective and established topical treatment option.

Q: What are the signs that InfectoScab is working?

Clinical studies that established the medicine’s use describe outcomes based on achieving mite elimination (clinical clearance) and a measurable reduction in physical discomfort. However, the skin lesions and itching may take several weeks to fully improve after the parasites have been eliminated.

Q: What are the severe but less common side effects of InfectoScab?

Regulatory documents classify rare side effects, which include headache and dyspnoea (shortness of breath) in sensitive patients. Other reactions reported with 'not known' frequency include seizure (convulsion), nausea, and vomiting.

Q: What is the purpose of the inactive ingredients in InfectoScab?

Inactive ingredients are substances included in the cream that do not have a medical effect. Their purpose is to help maintain the cream's integrity, stability, and consistency as an emulsion, ensuring the product is suitable for topical delivery.

Q: What should I do if I have a severe allergic reaction to InfectoScab?

A severe allergic reaction is a medical concern. If this occurs, the medicine is contraindicated (must not be used again), as stated in official documents for patients with known hypersensitivity.

Q: Is InfectoScab meant for short-term or long-term use?

According to official product information, the medicine is described as being for a single, short-term course of treatment. Reapplication is considered only as an intermittent measure and is permitted under specific conditions if the infestation is known to persist.

Q: If I have kidney problems, can I use InfectoScab?

Official regulatory labeling for the cream does not explicitly list any specific restrictions or contraindications based on having hepatic (liver) or renal (kidney) impairment. This is consistent with the product's very limited absorption into the body.

Q: Do experts recommend repeating the InfectoScab treatment?

Official documents confirm that reapplication is an intermittent consideration, not a routine recommendation. A second treatment is only permitted 7 to 14 days after the first one, and only if clear evidence of persistent infestation is observed.

Q: What should I look out for as a possible sign of a bad reaction to InfectoScab?

The medicine is contraindicated for patients with known hypersensitivity. Severe adverse effects listed in regulatory documents include dyspnoea (shortness of breath in sensitive patients), seizure (convulsion), and severe skin irritation.

Q: What is the risk of resistance developing when using InfectoScab?

The active ingredient remains described in official documents as a standard topical agent for treatment. However, evidence described in regulatory-cited research suggests that reports of potential mite resistance have been observed in some regions.

Q: Can InfectoScab interact with herbal teas or supplements?

Regulatory documents explicitly state that no interactions are known between InfectoScab and herbal products, supplements, food, alcohol, or other systemic medicinal products. This is due to the drug's very low absorption rate into the body.

How should InfectoScab be stored and disposed of?

Storage and Disposal Requirements for InfectoScab

InfectoScab (Permethrin 5% Cream) must be stored at controlled room temperature, specifically between 15°C and 25°C (59°F to 77°F). It is a mandatory requirement to keep the product out of the reach and sight of children.

Handling and Stability

To ensure product stability, the cream must be stored in its original container, which must be kept tightly closed. It is explicitly required to not freeze the product, as freezing can compromise the cream's integrity.

Official Disposal Rules

Unused or expired cream must be disposed of in accordance with local requirements for pharmaceutical waste. The product must not be disposed of via wastewater or routine household waste, aligning with environmental protection guidelines.

Attention! Always consult to a doctor or pharmacist before using pills or medicines.

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