Permethrin 5% cream is approved for treating scabies in infants as young as what age?

Permethrin 5% cream is approved for treating scabies in infants as young as what age?

• A. Not recommended for infants
• B. As young as 2 months
• C. Only older children
• D. 5-10 years old

Answer: (B)

Understanding approved age for topical scabicides in infants is key. Permethrin 5% cream is approved for treating scabies in infants as young as two months. This reflects labeling and safety data showing it is tolerated in infants 2 months and older, with minimal systemic absorption. For infants younger than two months, there isn’t enough safety data to support using permethrin 5%, so guidelines prefer alternatives such as sulfur preparations. In practice, when treating an infant, you apply a thin layer to the entire body from neck down, leave it on for several hours, then wash off, and you may need to treat close contacts as well. The essential point is that the minimum approved age is two months, which is why this option is correct.

Understanding approved age for topical scabicides in infants is key. Permethrin 5% cream is approved for treating scabies in infants as young as two months. This reflects labeling and safety data showing it is tolerated in infants 2 months and older, with minimal systemic absorption. For infants younger than two months, there isn’t enough safety data to support using permethrin 5%, so guidelines prefer alternatives such as sulfur preparations. In practice, when treating an infant, you apply a thin layer to the entire body from neck down, leave it on for several hours, then wash off, and you may need to treat close contacts as well. The essential point is that the minimum approved age is two months, which is why this option is correct.