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)