Scabies: How to Identify, Treat, and Prevent It

Scabies is a contagious skin condition caused by microscopic mites. It leads to itching and rashes. This article will explain what scabies is, its symptoms, causes, and treatment options.

What is Scabies?

Scabies is a common skin infestation affecting around 200 million people worldwide. It spreads easily through close physical contact, especially in places like homes, schools, and daycare centers. It can affect anyone, regardless of age, race, or social status.

How It Spreads

Scabies is highly contagious. It spreads through direct contact with an infected person’s skin, bedding, or clothing. Sharing infested items such as furniture can also transmit the mites.

Symptoms of Scabies

The symptoms of scabies usually appear 4–8 weeks after exposure, especially if it’s the first time. However, if you’ve had it before, symptoms may appear sooner.

Common Symptoms:

• Intense itching: Worse at night, it can be very severe.
• Rash: Appears as small, red bumps or burrow lines, usually in skin folds.
• Sores: Open wounds caused by scratching may lead to secondary infections.
• Crusts: Severe cases (crusted scabies) can cause thick, grayish skin layers with thousands of mites.

Common Sites of Infestation:

• Adults and Older Children: Between the fingers, under the nails, around the waistline, and wrists.
• Infants and Young Children: Scalp, face, neck, palms, and soles.

How Long Does Scabies Last?

Scabies mites can live on humans for 1–2 months. However, they survive only up to 72 hours away from the human body【source】.

Types of Scabies

Typical Scabies:

Causes itching and rash on hands, wrists, and other areas but not the face or scalp.

Nodular Scabies:

Leads to raised, itchy bumps, often in the armpits or genital area.

Crusted Scabies:

Severe form with thick crusts containing thousands of mites. It’s highly contagious and common in people with weakened immune systems.

Causes of Scabies

Scabies is caused by a mite called Sarcoptes scabiei var. hominis. The female mite burrows into the skin and lays eggs. After hatching, the larvae move to the skin’s surface, spreading the infestation to other body parts or people through close contact.

Who is at Risk?

• Children attending school or daycare
• Parents and caregivers
• People with multiple sexual partners
• Older adults in extended care facilities
• People with weakened immune systems (e.g., HIV patients)

Treatment for Scabies

Medications:

Doctors usually prescribe topical creams like 5% permethrin or crotamiton to treat scabies. Oral medications like ivermectin may be used in severe cases, especially for crusted scabies. However, ivermectin is not recommended during pregnancy or for young children【source】.

Other Medications:

• Antihistamines: To reduce itching
• Antibiotics: If sores become infected
• Steroid creams: To reduce inflammation

Home Remedies for Scabies

Although some home remedies may help relieve symptoms, they should not replace medical treatments. Always consult a doctor before trying any home remedy.

Common Remedies:

• Tea tree oil: May help reduce itching and kill mites.
• Oatmeal baths: Can soothe irritated skin.
• Moisturizers: Help keep the skin hydrated.
• Loose-fitting clothing: Prevents further irritation.

Complications

If the scabies sores become infected by bacteria such as Staphylococcus aureus, it can lead to serious conditions like heart disease, kidney disease, or blood poisoning【source】.

Prevention of Scabies

To prevent scabies, avoid direct contact with infected individuals and their personal items. If someone in your household is infected, wash clothes, towels, and bedding with hot, soapy water and dry them on high heat. Vacuum carpets and furniture to prevent re-infestation【source】.

Summary

Scabies is a highly contagious skin condition that can cause severe itching and rashes. It is treatable with prescribed topical creams or oral medications. Home remedies may provide relief but should not be used without consulting a doctor. Preventing scabies involves limiting contact with infected individuals and thoroughly cleaning clothes and household items.

For more information, consult your healthcare provider or visit CDC Scabies Information.