This page is general health information, not a diagnosis. Always consult a licensed clinician about your own health.
Overview
Scabies is an intensely itchy rash caused by tiny mites burrowing into the skin, spread by close skin contact and shared bedding — it often runs through whole households, hostels and barracks. The itching is classically worst at night. Treatment works, but everyone in the household must be treated at once.
Symptoms
Intense itching, worse at night
Tiny bumps or blisters, often in lines
Rash between fingers, on wrists, waist, buttocks or genitals
Sores and crusts from scratching
Similar itching in family members or roommates
Causes & risk factors
Skin-to-skin contact with an infested person
Shared beds, clothing or towels
Crowded living conditions — hostels, camps, barracks
Treatment & self-care
A prescribed scabicide cream or lotion is applied to the entire body (neck down, head included in infants) and repeated as directed — and every household member treats on the same day, symptoms or not. Wash bedding and clothing in hot water and sun-dry, or bag items for several days. Itching can linger for weeks after successful treatment; the doctor can ease it.
See a doctor urgently if
Rash with pus, golden crusts or fever (added infection)
Itching persisting beyond four weeks after treatment
Scabies in an infant or pregnant woman
Thick crusted patches (a severe, very contagious form)
Frequently asked questions
What are the first signs of Scabies?
Early signs often include intense itching, worse at night, tiny bumps or blisters, often in lines, rash between fingers, on wrists, waist, buttocks or genitals. Symptoms vary from person to person, so a proper assessment by a doctor is the only way to be sure.
Can Scabies be treated?
A prescribed scabicide cream or lotion is applied to the entire body (neck down, head included in infants) and repeated as directed — and every household member treats on the same day, symptoms or not. Wash bedding and clothing in hot water and sun-dry, or bag items for several days. Itching can linger for weeks after successful treatment; the doctor can ease it.
When should I see a doctor about Scabies?
See a doctor promptly if you notice: rash with pus, golden crusts or fever (added infection); itching persisting beyond four weeks after treatment; scabies in an infant or pregnant woman; thick crusted patches (a severe, very contagious form).