Health Topics for Infectious Diseases

Department of Internal Medicine: Infectious Diseases

Department of Internal Medicine: Travel Medicine

Scabies

Scabies is an infestation of the skin with microscopic mites. The mites live in human skin, causing pimple-like irritations and a very itchy rash. Scabies spreads rapidly under crowded conditions where there is frequent skin-to-skin contact between people, such as in hospitals, institutions, child-care facilities, and nursing homes.

The most common sign that a person has scabies is a rash. The rash appears as tiny blisters or bumps that break easily when scratched. The blisters are usually in a thin line, three-eights inch long. Scabies also causes intense itching, especially at night. The skin areas most often infected are the webbing between the fingers; the skin folds on the wrists, elbows, or knees; the penis, the breast, buttocks, shoulder blades, or waistline. In infants and older adults, the rash may appear on the head and neck, palms of the hands and soles of the feet.

The mites that cause scabies are spread directly by touching the skin of someone who is infected. Sexual contact is also a means of catching scabies. The scabies mite can live up to 4 days without human body contact, spread from towels, bedding, or other household articles. A person who has scabies can give the infection to another person, even before symptoms appear. The scabies mite that infects humans does not affect dogs or other pets. The animal transmitted scabies do not thrive on humans, but can cause symptoms for a few days.

For someone who has never had scabies, the symptoms can begin anywhere from 4 to 6 weeks after being exposed. If the person has had scabies before, the irritation and itching can begin within several days. The best way to avoid scabies is to prevent contact with the person, clothing, or bedding that may be infected with scabies mites.

Scabies is highly contagious. Anyone who is diagnosed with scabies, as well as his or her sexual partners and persons who have close, prolonged contact to the infested person should also be treated. Family members should receive treatment at the same time to prevent reinfestation.

Machine-washing in hot water can treat clothing, towels, and bedding. Non-washable items may be stored for 4 days. The scabies mites cannot live away from the human body for more than 4 days. When living on a person, however, the mites can live up to a month.

Scabies will not go away on its own. Seek diagnosis and treatment from a healthcare provider in order to get rid of scabies. There are no non-prescription medications that can kill a scabies infestation. Medicated lotions are available. Always follow the directions given by your provider and the package insert. You should not have any new rashes or bumps after 1 to 2 days of treatment. A second treatment of the body may be necessary 7 to 10 days later. Itching may continue for 2 to 3 weeks even though you may be free of infestation. Additional medication may be prescribed to relieve the long-term itching. No new burrows or rashes should appear 24 to 48 hours after effective treatment.

Last Reviewed 2005

Disclaimer: This content is reviewed periodically and is subject to change as new health information becomes available. The information provided is intended to be informative and educational and is not a replacement for professional medical evaluation, advice, diagnosis or treatment by a healthcare professional.

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