Which topical agents are used to treat lice and scabies?

Which topical agents are used to treat lice and scabies?

• A. Malathion, Permethrin, and benzyl alcohol
• B. Acetaminophen
• C. Ibuprofen
• D. Amoxicillin

Answer: (A)

Treating lice and scabies relies on medicines that directly kill the parasites on the skin or hair. Permethrin is a primary topical treatment used for both scabies and lice, acting on the parasite’s nervous system to kill it. Malathion is another topical option effective against lice by disrupting the parasite’s function. Benzyl alcohol lotion is used for head lice by suffocating the live insects. These are specifically for parasite infestations, not for fever, pain, or bacterial infections, which is why acetaminophen, ibuprofen, and amoxicillin aren’t appropriate here.

Treating lice and scabies relies on medicines that directly kill the parasites on the skin or hair. Permethrin is a primary topical treatment used for both scabies and lice, acting on the parasite’s nervous system to kill it. Malathion is another topical option effective against lice by disrupting the parasite’s function. Benzyl alcohol lotion is used for head lice by suffocating the live insects. These are specifically for parasite infestations, not for fever, pain, or bacterial infections, which is why acetaminophen, ibuprofen, and amoxicillin aren’t appropriate here.