Definition

Scabies is an infestation of the skin.

Scabies Copyright © Nucleus Medical Media, Inc.

Causes    TOP

Scabies is caused by a tiny mite. An infestation results when the female mite burrows into the skin and lays eggs. The scabies mite does not suck blood. It does not transmit any disease other than scabies between people.

Scabies is highly contagious. Most often, it is passed from person to person through:

• Close and generally prolonged physical contact
• Sexual contact

Scabies can also spread from person to person by sharing:

• Clothing
• Towels
• Bedding

Scabies can occasionally also be acquired from certain mammals. It is most common from dogs with sarcoptic mange. Scabies from dogs differs somewhat from human scabies. It rarely passes from person to person.

Risk Factors    TOP

Children younger than 15 years of age and adults older than 65 years are at greater risk for this condition.

Other factors that may increase the chances of scabies:

• Sexual contact with new or multiple partners
• Close, physical contact with a person who has scabies
• Living in close quarters with others such as in a nursing home or military barracks
• A weakened immune system
• Close contact with an animal with scabies

Symptoms    TOP

Symptoms of scabies include:

• Intense itching, which is 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

Scabies rarely affects the face or head. While any other body area, or even the whole body, may be involved, areas most often affected include:

• Hands, especially between the fingers
• Wrists and elbows
• Feet
• Genitals and pubic area (especially in men)
• Buttocks
• Around the nipples (especially in women)
• Waistline
• Belly button and lower abdomen
• Areas where clothing is tight
• Under rings, watches, or jewelry

Diagnosis    TOP

You will be asked about your about symptoms and medical history. A physical exam will be done. While scabies can often be diagnosed based on these steps, a skin sample may be taken. The sample is examined under a microscope to confirm the diagnosis.

Treatment    TOP

It is essential to remove scabies from the living environment to avoid re-infestation after treatment. All bedding and clothing must be thoroughly washed. Other members of the household or facility should be treated.

Prevention    TOP

To reduce the chances of scabies, avoid close physical contact with anyone who has either had scabies or has had an undiagnosed itchy rash. Do not share their:

• Clothing
• Towels
• Bedding

To prevent the spread of scabies from one person to another:

• Consider getting treatment if you share living quarters with an infected person and/or have close physical contact, even if no symptoms are present.
• Wash or dry clean all clothing, bedding, and towels that may have become infested. Set washing or drying temperatures to 140ºF (60ºC) or higher. Mites may live for at least 2-5 days after they leave a human body. They are probably infectious during some or all of that time, especially in room temperatures of 68ºF (20ºC) and above. Some experts suggest that items that cannot easily be cleaned be placed in a plastic bag for at least 3 days.
• Try to avoid contact for several days with hard-to-clean or non-cleanable items, like upholstered furniture. Talk to your doctor about ways to deal with household items that cannot be cleaned.