Scabies

Scabies is a common skin infestation caused by tiny mites that burrow into the skin. It causes intense itching and a rash that spreads rapidly, especially at night.

Read our guide to: Scabies

Scabies

Scabies is a common skin infestation caused by tiny mites that burrow into the skin. It causes intense itching and a rash that spreads rapidly, especially at night.

Treatment and Care Options

Scabies requires medical treatment to kill the mites, as it cannot be treated with over-the-counter remedies alone. Your doctor will typically prescribe topical treatments, such as prescribed creams or lotions, which must be applied thoroughly according to the instructions. It is crucial to treat everyone in your household, even if they are not itchy, to prevent reinfection. You must also wash all bedding, towels, and clothing used in the 3-4 days prior to diagnosis in hot water and dry them on high heat.

What Causes this Condition?

Scabies is not contagious through personal contact like hugging. It is caused by an actual parasite, called a mite (Sarcoptes scabiei). These microscopic mites burrow into the top layers of your skin to lay eggs. The itching and rash are a result of your immune system reacting to the mites and their eggs.

Direct close skin-to-skin contact with an infested person.
Sharing clothing, bedding, or towels with an infested person.