Infectious Disease First Line Treatments Practice Test

The first-line treatment for scabies is permethrin 5% cream, which is a topical insecticide specifically designed to kill the mites that cause the infestation. Scabies is caused by a tiny mite called Sarcoptes scabiei, and the goal of treatment is to eliminate these parasites from the skin.

Permethrin works by interfering with the nervous system of the mites, leading to their death. The cream is typically applied to all areas of the body from the neck down, including the scalp and in between fingers, and left on for a specified duration (usually overnight) before being washed off. This treatment is effective in eradicating scabies when used properly.

Other choices such as hydrocortisone ointment do not treat the underlying infestation; instead, they are used to relieve inflammation and itching associated with skin reactions. Oral antifungal medications are irrelevant in the context of scabies, as scabies is not a fungal condition, and cold compresses may provide temporary relief for itching but do not address the infestation itself. Thus, permethrin 5% cream is the most suitable and effective initial treatment for scabies.