Scabies
Scabies
Scabies is a highly contagious skin infestation caused by the parasitic mite Sarcoptes scabiei. It causes intense itching, especially at night, redness, inflammation, small bumps or blisters on the skin, and skin lesions or rashes. Scabies can be diagnosed through skin scraping or patch tests and treated with topical creams like permethrin cream.
Show Medications for Scabies
18/05/2026
Updated: 12/06/2026
Scabies
Scabies is a skin infestation caused by a parasitic mite called Sarcoptes scabiei. This tiny parasite burrows into the upper layer of the skin, causing intense itching and other uncomfortable symptoms.
Key Symptoms
- Intense itching, especially at night
- Redness and inflammation of the skin
- Small bumps or blisters on the skin
- Skin lesions or rashes
Diagnosis
To diagnose scabies, a healthcare provider will typically perform one or both of the following tests:
- Skin scraping: A small sample of skin is taken and examined under a microscope for signs of the mite or its eggs.
- Patch test: A small patch of cream or lotion containing a medication is applied to the affected area to see if it causes an allergic reaction.
Treatment Options
The gold standard treatment for scabies is permethrin cream, which is available by prescription only. However, there are alternative treatments that may be recommended in certain cases:
- Ivermectin: An oral medication that can be taken to treat scabies.
- Lindane lotion: A topical cream or lotion that is applied directly to the affected area.
- Crotamiton: A topical cream or lotion that is applied directly to the affected area.
Risk Factors and Prevention
Scabies can spread quickly in crowded living spaces, so it's essential to take precautions if you're at risk. Some key risk factors include:
- Close contact with an infected person: Scabies is highly contagious and can be spread through direct skin-to-skin contact.
- Poor hygiene or sanitation: Keeping your living space clean and well-maintained can help prevent the spread of scabies.
- Weakened immune system: People with weakened immune systems may be more susceptible to scabies infections.
- Crowding in living spaces: Scabies can spread quickly in crowded areas, so it's essential to take precautions if you're at risk.
Treatment of Scabies
Gold Standard Treatment: Permethrin Cream
Permethrin cream is the gold standard treatment for scabies, a parasitic infection caused by the mite Sarcoptes scabiei. This topical cream works by killing the mites and their eggs on contact with the skin. It contains 5% permethrin, an insecticide that disrupts the mites' nervous system, ultimately leading to their death. To use permethrin cream effectively:Alternative Treatments
- Ivermectin: This oral medication works by killing the mites and their eggs within a few days of administration. Ivermectin is often used for patients who are unable to tolerate topical treatments or have severe scabies infestations.
- Lindane Lotion: Lindane lotion is another topical treatment that works by killing the mites and their eggs on contact with the skin. However, it should be used with caution due to potential neurotoxicity and is generally reserved for patients who have failed other treatments.
- Crotamiton: Crotamiton cream or lotion is a topical treatment that works by killing the mites and their eggs on contact with the skin. It is often used in combination with permethrin cream to enhance its effectiveness.
Causes and Risk Factors of Scabies
Scabies is a skin infestation caused by the parasitic mite Sarcoptes scabiei.
Risk Factors
- Close contact with an infected person: Direct physical contact with someone who has scabies can spread the infection. This is often seen in households, schools, and other close-knit communities.
- Poor hygiene or sanitation: Living conditions that are unsanitary or have poor personal hygiene can contribute to the spread of scabies.
- Weakened immune system: Individuals with compromised immune systems may be more susceptible to scabies infections.
- Crowding in living spaces: Overcrowding can increase the likelihood of transmission, as people are more likely to come into close contact with one another.
Pathogen Type
The scabies mite is a type of parasite that burrows into the skin, causing the symptoms associated with this condition. The pathogen type is parasite.