Scabies

Scabies is an infection of the skin by a tiny mite called the Sarcoptes scabiei.

Causes

Scabies infection results when the female mite burrows into the skin and lays its eggs.
Scabies is highly contagious. Most often, it is passed from person to person through:
  • Close physical contact
  • Sexual contact
Scabies can also spread from person to person by sharing:
  • Clothing
  • Towels
  • Bedding

Risk Factors

A risk factor is something that increases your chance of getting a disease or condition.
  • Poor personal hygiene
  • Sexual contact with a person who has scabies
  • Living in close quarters with others (such as in a nursing home)
  • Weakened immune system
  • Eczema

Symptoms

Symptoms include:
  • Intense itching, usually worse at night
  • Small red bumps, pimples or lines on the skin
In more severe cases, the infested area may:
  • Appear crusty
  • Become infected and discharge pus
Areas most often affected include:
  • Hands, especially between the fingers
  • Wrists and elbows
  • Feet
  • Genitals and pubic area
  • Buttocks
  • Around the nipples
  • Waistline
  • Belly-button and lower abdomen
  • Areas where clothing is tight
  • Under rings, watches or jewelry
  • Possibly the entire body

Diagnosis

The doctor will ask about your symptoms and medical history, and perform a physical exam. Scabies can usually be diagnosed based on your symptoms and the physical exam. To confirm the diagnosis, the doctor may scrape some skin off an infested area to be tested for Scabies.

Treatment

Scabies is treated by applying pemethrin cream or lindane lotion to the skin. Carefully read and follow the directions. An antihistamine or corticosteroid cream may help relieve itching temporarily. In very severe cases, oral medication, such as ivermectin, is sometimes prescribed.

Prevention

To reduce your risk of getting Scabies:
  • Avoid the following with a person who has scabies:
    • Close physical contact
    • Sexual contact
    • Sharing clothing, towels or bedding
  • Maintain good personal hygiene, including:
    • Bathing regularly
    • Washing hands regularly, such as before eating and after using the bathroom
    • Washing clothes regularly
To prevent the spread of scabies from one person to another:
  • If someone has scabies, make sure all people who share living quarters with that person get treatment.
  • Wash or dry-clean all clothing, bedding, and towels that may have become infested.
  • Vacuum the entire living area. Then, throw away the vacuum bag.