Scabies
What is scabies?
Scabies is an infestation of the skin by the human itch mite. The microscopic scabies mite burrows into the upper layer of the skin where it lives and lays its eggs.
What is crusted scabies?
Some immunocompromised, elderly, disabled, or debilitated persons are at risk for a severe form of scabies called crusted, or Norwegian, scabies. Persons with crusted scabies have thick crusts of skin that contain large numbers of scabies mites and eggs. Persons with crusted scabies should receive quick and aggressive medical treatment for their infestation to prevent outbreaks of scabies.
How common is scabies?
Scabies is found worldwide and affects people of all races and social classes. Scabies can spread rapidly under crowded conditions where close body and skin contact is frequent. Institutions such as nursing homes, childcare facilities, extended-care facilities, and prisons are often sites of scabies outbreaks.
What are the symptoms of scabies?
Common symptoms of itching and a pimple-like skin rash may affect much of the body or be limited to common places such as:
- Between the fingers
- Wrist
- Elbow
- Armpit
- Genitals
- Nipple
- Waist
- Butt
- Shoulder blades
Symptoms affect the head, face, neck, palms and soles in infants and young children, but usually not adults and older children. When a person is first infested with scabies mites, it usually takes 2-6 weeks for symptoms to appear after being infested. If a person has had scabies before, symptoms appear 1-4 days after exposure. An infested person can transmit scabies, even if they do not have symptoms, until they are successfully treated and the mites and eggs are destroyed.
How is scabies spread?
- Scabies usually is spread by prolonged skin-to-skin contact with a person who has scabies.
- Scabies sometimes is spread indirectly by sharing items such as clothing, towels, or bedding used by an infested person.
- Scabies can spread easily under crowded conditions where close body and skin contact is common.
When to call your doctor
Consult with a healthcare provider if you or your child have an unexplained rash.
How is scabies diagnosed?
Diagnosis of a scabies infestation usually is made based on the customary appearance and distribution of the rash and the presence of burrows in the skin. Whenever possible, the diagnosis of scabies should be confirmed by identifying the mite, mite eggs, or mite fecal matter.
How is scabies infection treated?Scabies should be treated with topical creams that can kill the mites, which are available by prescription from your health care provider. In addition to the infested person, treatment also is recommended for people they have been in contact with.
Items used by infested persons and people they are in close contact with should be decontaminated. To treat items:
- Wash bedding, clothing, and towels them in hot water and dry in a hot dryer.
- Store items that can’t be washed in a sealed plastic bag for at least 72 hours.
- Thoroughly clean and vacuum rooms.
How do I avoid scabies?
Prevent scabies by avoiding prolonged skin-to-skin contact with a person who has scabies and contact with items such as clothing or bedding used by a person infested with scabies mites. Indirect spread, such as through contact with contaminated items, can occur more easily when a person has crusted scabies.
Is there anything special I need to know?
Students and staff will be excluded from school and childcare settings until treatment has been applied.
Why does public health investigate scabies cases?
Public health does not investigate every scabies case but does follow-up on cases in institutional settings to limit spread.
