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Scabies
Mild
Scabies is a contagious skin condition caused by infestation with the human itch mite. The mites burrow into the upper layer of the skin and lay eggs, causing an itchy rash. Severe itching is often worse at night. Scabies can affect people of any age and is commonly spread through prolonged, close skin-to-skin contact.
Body System
Skin Hair & Nails
When to Seek Medical Attention
Scabies is usually not an emergency but requires appropriate treatment to prevent continued spread and complications from scratching. Seek medical assessment if symptoms are severe, persistent after treatment, associated with extensive skin damage, or accompanied by signs of bacterial infection such as increasing pain, pus, or fever.
Symptoms
2
Causes
1
Treatments
5
Diet
3
Overview
Scabies is a contagious skin condition caused by infestation with the human itch mite. The mites burrow into the upper layer of the skin and lay eggs, causing an itchy rash. Severe itching is often worse at night. Scabies can affect people of any age and is commonly spread through prolonged, close skin-to-skin contact.
Symptoms 2
Blisters
Watery Eyes
Causes 1
Scabies is caused by infestation with the human itch mite, Sarcoptes scabiei. The female mite burrows into the outer layer of skin and deposits eggs. The body reacts to the mites, eggs, and their waste, producing an itchy rash. Transmission usually occurs through prolonged direct skin-to-skin contact with an infected person. Less commonly, mites may spread through recently contaminated clothing, bedding, or towels.
Infection
Risk Factors
Risk factors include close or prolonged contact with a person who has scabies, living in crowded conditions, and environments where close physical contact is common. Household members and sexual partners of an infected person have increased exposure. People with weakened immune systems may develop severe or crusted scabies, which is highly contagious.
Diagnosis
Diagnosis is based on a patient's medical history,
symptoms, physical examination and, when necessary,
laboratory or imaging investigations.
Scabies is usually diagnosed from the characteristic itchy rash and the pattern and location of affected skin. A healthcare professional may examine the skin for burrows, which are small lines made by mites. A skin scraping may sometimes be examined under a microscope to look for mites, eggs, or mite waste. Diagnosis can also be based on symptoms and exposure history.
Prevention
Key Prevention Tips
Scabies can be reduced by avoiding prolonged skin-to-skin contact with an infected person until treatment is completed
Household members and close contacts may need evaluation and treatment at the same time to prevent reinfection
Clothing, towels, and bedding used by an affected person should be appropriately washed or otherwise handled according to treatment guidance
People should follow the complete treatment plan even if itching continues temporarily after treatment
Prevention Guidance
Scabies can be reduced by avoiding prolonged skin-to-skin contact with an infected person until treatment is completed. Household members and close contacts may need evaluation and treatment at the same time to prevent reinfection. Clothing, towels, and bedding used by an affected person should be appropriately washed or otherwise handled according to treatment guidance. People should follow the complete treatment plan even if itching continues temporarily after treatment.
Reminder: Prevention recommendations should be tailored to your personal health status and risk factors.
Treatment & Management 5
Detailed treatment guidance is currently being prepared.
Detailed treatment guidance is currently being prepared.
Detailed treatment guidance is currently being prepared.
Detailed treatment guidance is currently being prepared.
Detailed treatment guidance is currently being prepared.
Medical Note: The treatment information provided is intended for educational purposes only.
Always consult a qualified healthcare professional before starting,
stopping, or changing any treatment.
Diet & Nutrition 3
Recommended Foods
Vitamin C foods
Support healing
Vegetables
Balanced nutrition
Water
Hydration
Foods to Avoid
Excess sugar
Limit intake
Processed foods
Limit intake
Medical Nutrition Note: Diet recommendations are intended for general educational purposes and should be tailored to individual health needs by a qualified healthcare professional.
Frequently Asked Questions 5
A skin infestation caused by mites.
Severe itching, especially at night.
Yes, it spreads through close contact.
Yes, close contacts often require treatment.
With prescribed anti-scabies medications.
Helpful Tip: These answers provide general medical information.
Consult your healthcare provider for advice tailored to your condition.