Scabies

Overview

Scabies is an itchy skin rash caused by the microscopic scabies mite. It burrows into the skin, where it lives and lays its eggs.

Symptoms

The most common symptoms of scabies are itching and a bumpy, red rash. The itching is usually worse at night. You may also have blisters and scaly skin. Severe itching can create open sores, which may become infected. If you have a weak immune system, you may develop a more severe type of scabies called crusted scabies, which is harder to treat.

How It Is Spread

Scabies is spread by direct skin-to-skin contact with another person. It can also spread by the clothing or bed sheets of an infested person. It can spread quickly in places where people are in close contact, such as nursing homes and daycare centers.

Treatment

To treat scabies, you'll apply a prescribed medication to your skin. More severe cases may be treated with oral medication. Even though the medication kills the mites, you may itch for a few weeks. Because the mites spread so easily, your entire family may need treatment.

Please be aware that this information is provided to supplement the care provided by your physician. It is neither intended nor implied to be a substitute for professional medical advice. CALL YOUR HEALTHCARE PROVIDER IMMEDIATELY IF YOU THINK YOU MAY HAVE A MEDICAL EMERGENCY. Always seek the advice of your physician or other qualified health provider prior to starting any new treatment or with any questions you may have regarding a medical condition.