What Is Scabies?
Scabies is a contagious skin condition caused by tiny mites that burrow beneath the skin. The infestation leads to intense itching and a rash that can spread across different areas of the body.
Scabies spreads easily through close skin contact and shared personal items such as bedding or clothing. Scabies is caused by microscopic mites that spread through:
- Close skin-to-skin contact
- Sexual contact
- Sharing bedding, towels, or clothing
- Living in crowded settings
Outbreaks are more common in places where people live or stay close together, including nursing homes, dormitories, and childcare centers. Quick treatment can help stop the spread and relieve symptoms.
Symptoms
Symptoms of scabies often take several weeks to appear after exposure. People who have had scabies before may notice symptoms sooner.
Common symptoms include:
- Severe itching, especially at night
- Small red bumps or blisters
- Thin, wavy lines on the skin
- Sores caused by scratching
- Dry, crusted, or irritated skin in severe cases
Scabies commonly affects areas such as the hands, wrists, waistline, groin, underarms, and between the fingers.
How Is It Diagnosed?
Healthcare providers diagnose scabies through a physical exam and review of symptoms. They look for characteristic rash patterns and mite burrows on the skin.
In some cases, a provider may take a small skin scraping to examine under a microscope. In rare occasions, a skin biopsy may be needed to confirm the diagnosis.
How Is It Treated?
Scabies is treated with medications to kill the mites and their eggs. Most people use prescription creams or lotions applied directly to the skin.
Treatment may include:
- Prescription anti-mite creams or lotions
- Oral medications for severe or widespread cases
- Antihistamines to reduce itching
- Antibiotics if scratching causes infection
To prevent reinfestation, close contacts and household members are usually treated at the same time. Bedding, towels, and clothing should also be washed in hot water and dried on high heat.
Even after treatment, itching may continue for several weeks while the skin heals.
