Not Medical Advice: Yes. Hydrocortisone cream, like Cortizone-10, may help control itching, but it can change the appearance of the scabies rash, making the condition harder to diagnose. It is advised to use this cream only after your doctor has confirmed the diagnosis.
Scabies is an itchy and highly contagious skin disease caused by an infestation by the itch mite called Sarcoptes scabiei.
You can use over-the-counter medicines such as oral antihistamines (like Benadryl) and corticosteroid (like hydrocortisone) creams to help relieve itching from scabies.
Prescription medicines used to treat scabies include:
Permethrin cream 5% (Elimite)
Ivermectin
Lindane 1%
Sulfur ointment (precipitated sulfur) 5% to 10%,
Crotamiton 10% (Eurax)
Prescription permethrin, such as Elimite cream, is the most commonly used medicine to treat scabies. It is considered safe for infants and not as toxic as Lindane.
Once prescription treatment begins, make sure that all scabies mites are killed, follow these steps:
Immediately after starting treatment for scabies, clean all the affected person's bedding and the clothing that he or she has worn during the past 2 to 3 days (48 to 72 hours).
Wash all items in hot water and dry them in a hot dryer. Or dry-clean them.
Any items that cannot be washed or dry-cleaned must be placed in a closed plastic bag for at least 7 days.
Learn more about scabies home treatment at WebMD.
Find signs, symptoms, diagnosis and treatments of scabies and get more tips that can help you get rid of the mites at American Academy of Dermatology.