What is Scabies?

Scabies is a parasitic disease (infestation) of the skin caused by the human itch mite, Sarcoptes scabiei. These mites are about the size of the dot at the end of this sentence. The female scabies mite burrows or tunnels into the outer layer of skin in a thin red line about a half-inch long and then lays eggs. Such a burrow is usually very hard to identify. The first location is usually in the webs between the fingers or toes, around the wrist or the navel. It can also be found on the back of elbows, the folds of the armpits, the beltline and abdomen, about the creases of the groin, and on the genital organs. Small children, especially babies, often have involvement of the face, scalp, palms of the hands, or soles of the feet.

Who gets Scabies?

Anyone who has direct physical contact with a person infested with scabies.

How is Scabies spread?

The scabies mite is generally transmitted from one person to another by direct contact with the skin of the infested person. Scabies can also be acquired by wearing an infested persons clothing such as sweaters, coats or scarves. Scabies transmission can occur among individuals who share common living quarters, bedding, or who have regular skin-to-skin contact. The mite does not survive more than a few days off the body.

What are the symptoms of Scabies?

There is usually itching, skin irritation and tiny reddened dots at the itchy areas, with surrounding redness or streaks of redness. Itching is usually worse at night. These symptoms are due to an allergic reaction to the mites.

How soon do symptoms occur?

Persons who have never had scabies before usually notice symptoms about 4 to 6 weeks after contact with a person infected with scabies. Persons who have had previous infestations of scabies develop symptoms sooner, often within a few days to 1 week.

How is Scabies diagnosed?

A presumptive diagnosis can be made based on a history of itching and the appearance of physical skin lesions. A more definitive diagnosis can be made by examination of a skin scraping is done. This allows a trained professional to look for the mite under a microscope.

What is the treatment for Scabies?

Recommended treatment includes application of a medicated cream (active ingredient Permethrin 5%) prescribed by a doctor. Always follow the directions provided with the medication. It is put on the skin from the neck down, left on for about 12 hours (often overnight), and then washed off. After putting the cream on the skin, clothes and bedding should be laundered in a hot washer and dryer cycle. Itching may persist for 1-2 weeks after treatment. This does not indicate treatment failure, but rather a continued reaction to the dead mites. Medication to reduce itching can be prescribed.

How long is an infected person infectious to others?

You can get scabies from another individual as long as the mite is still present on the person who is currently infested.

How can Scabies be prevented?

Person with symptoms should be checked and treated by their doctor as soon as possible. Persons living in the same house and having skin-to-skin contact with someone with scabies should be treated at the same time as the infested person to prevent scabies from developing. If you wait until symptoms develop, mites may already be transferred to other persons. Wash bedding, clothing, towels, and other bath linen used within 4 days before treatment in a washer using hot water, and dry using the hot dryer cycle. Clothing and items that cannot be washed should be stored in a closed plastic bag for one week.