[Treatment of scabies with special consideration of the approach in infancy, pregnancy and while nursing].

Infestation of human skin with scabies mites remains an persistent problem in daily dermatological practice. There are several therapeutic regiments against scabies which have been proven effective and without major side effects. Because of known neurotoxicity of lindane as well as intoxication/problems following systemic absorption of benzyl alcohol (the metabolite of benzyl benzoate), these two compounds have to be considered with caution in early childhood scabies as well as during pregnancy and nursing. The pharmacology and spectrum of clinical side effects of the approved anti-scabies preparations (lindane, benzyl benzoate, crotamiton) as well as permethrin (not available in Germany) are reviewed.