What Is Scabies?
Scabies is a highly contagious skin infestation caused by tiny mites (Sarcoptes scabiei) that burrow into the upper layers of the skin.
Common Symptoms
- Intense itching, especially at night
- Thin, irregular burrow tracks on the skin
- Small red bumps or blisters
- Common locations:
- Between fingers
- Around wrists
- Inside elbows
- Around waist
- On breasts and genitals
Transmission
Scabies spreads through:
- Direct skin-to-skin contact
- Sharing clothing or bedding
- Prolonged close personal contact
Diagnosis
Diagnosis typically involves:
- Physical examination
- Microscopic examination of skin scrapings
- Identification of burrow patterns
Treatment Options
Medications
-
Topical Treatments
- Permethrin cream 5%
- Malathion lotion 0.5%
- Benzyl benzoate
-
Oral Medications
- Ivermectin (for severe cases)
Additional Measures
- Wash all clothing and bedding in hot water
- Seal non-washable items in plastic bags for 72 hours
- Treat all household members simultaneously
Prevention
- Avoid close contact with infected individuals
- Don't share personal items
- Maintain good personal hygiene
- Promptly treat infected persons
Recovery Timeline
- Itching may persist 2-4 weeks after treatment
- Follow-up treatment may be needed after 1-2 weeks
- Complete resolution usually occurs within 4 weeks
When to Seek Medical Care
- If you suspect scabies infection
- If symptoms persist after treatment
- If you develop secondary infections
Special Considerations
- Crusted (Norwegian) scabies requires aggressive treatment
- Immunocompromised patients need close monitoring
- Infants and elderly may present atypically