What is scabies and how does it spread. How can you recognize the symptoms of scabies. What are the most effective treatment methods for scabies. How can you prevent scabies infestations. Who is at higher risk of contracting scabies. What are the potential complications of untreated scabies. How long does it take to eliminate scabies after treatment.

What is Scabies and How Does it Spread?

Scabies is a highly contagious skin condition caused by tiny parasitic mites called Sarcoptes scabiei. These microscopic creatures burrow into the upper layers of the skin, where they live and lay eggs. This infestation leads to intense itching and a characteristic rash.

How does scabies spread? The primary mode of transmission is through prolonged skin-to-skin contact. This often occurs during sexual activity, but it can also spread through close physical contact in crowded living conditions. Common scenarios include:

• Intimate sexual contact
• Sharing a bed or living space with an infected person
• Close contact in institutional settings like nursing homes or prisons
• Childcare facilities where there is frequent physical contact

Can you get scabies from casual contact? It’s unlikely to contract scabies from brief encounters like handshakes or hugs. The mites typically need prolonged contact to successfully transfer and establish an infestation. Additionally, scabies is rarely transmitted through contact with inanimate objects, though sharing bedding or clothing with an infected person can occasionally lead to transmission.

Recognizing the Symptoms of Scabies

Identifying scabies early is crucial for prompt treatment and preventing spread. The most common symptoms include:

• Intense itching, especially at night
• A pimple-like rash, often in a line or track
• Tiny blisters or scales on the skin
• Sores caused by scratching

Where do scabies symptoms typically appear? The mites prefer warm areas of the body, so common sites include:

• Between the fingers
• On the wrists and elbows
• In the armpits
• Around the waist and buttocks
• On the genitals
• Under the breasts in women

Is there a delay between infestation and symptom onset? Yes, it can take 2-6 weeks for symptoms to appear after initial infestation. However, individuals who have had scabies before may develop symptoms within days of re-exposure.

Diagnosis and Treatment Options for Scabies

Accurate diagnosis is essential for effective scabies treatment. Healthcare providers typically diagnose scabies based on the characteristic symptoms and appearance of the rash. In some cases, they may perform a skin scraping to examine under a microscope for mites, eggs, or fecal matter.

What are the primary treatment options for scabies? The most common treatments include:

1. Topical medications: Permethrin cream 5% is often the first-line treatment. It’s applied to the entire body and washed off after 8-14 hours.
2. Oral medications: Ivermectin may be prescribed, especially for severe or resistant cases.
3. Antihistamines: These can help relieve itching during treatment.
4. Antibiotics: If secondary bacterial infections have developed due to scratching, antibiotics may be necessary.

How long does it take for scabies treatment to work? While the medications kill the mites quickly, it can take several weeks for symptoms to fully resolve. Itching may persist for up to 4 weeks after successful treatment.

Preventing Scabies Infestations and Reinfection

Preventing scabies involves a combination of personal hygiene practices and environmental control measures. Key strategies include:

• Avoiding skin-to-skin contact with infected individuals
• Washing bedding, clothing, and towels used by infected persons in hot water
• Sealing items that can’t be washed in plastic bags for at least 72 hours
• Vacuuming carpets and upholstered furniture
• Treating all household members and close contacts simultaneously to prevent reinfestation

How can you prevent reinfection after treatment? It’s crucial to follow these steps:

1. Complete the full course of prescribed treatment
2. Decontaminate your living space as described above
3. Avoid close contact with untreated individuals
4. Monitor for any signs of recurring symptoms

High-Risk Groups and Special Considerations

While anyone can contract scabies, certain groups are at higher risk of infestation. These include:

• Sexually active individuals, especially those with multiple partners
• People living in crowded conditions (e.g., dormitories, prisons)
• Residents and staff of long-term care facilities
• Children in daycare settings
• Individuals with weakened immune systems

Are there special considerations for treating scabies in certain populations? Yes, treatment may need to be modified for:

• Infants and young children
• Pregnant or breastfeeding women
• Elderly individuals
• People with certain medical conditions or on specific medications

Complications and Long-Term Effects of Scabies

While scabies itself is not typically dangerous, untreated infestations can lead to complications. These may include:

• Secondary bacterial infections due to excessive scratching
• Impetigo, a bacterial skin infection
• Cellulitis, a deeper skin infection
• Post-scabies eczema, a persistent itchy rash even after successful treatment

Can scabies cause long-term health effects? In most cases, scabies does not lead to long-term health problems when properly treated. However, severe or prolonged infestations, particularly in individuals with weakened immune systems, can potentially lead to more serious complications.

Crusted Scabies: A Severe Form of Infestation

Crusted scabies, also known as Norwegian scabies, is a severe form of the condition that primarily affects individuals with weakened immune systems. This variant is characterized by:

• Thick, crusted areas of skin
• A much higher number of mites (potentially millions)
• Increased contagiousness
• Resistance to standard treatments

How is crusted scabies treated? Management typically involves:

1. Combination therapy with both topical and oral medications
2. Extended treatment duration
3. Careful monitoring and follow-up
4. Aggressive environmental decontamination

The Psychological Impact of Scabies

Beyond the physical symptoms, scabies can have significant psychological effects on those affected. Common emotional responses include:

• Anxiety and stress
• Embarrassment or shame
• Sleep disturbances due to itching
• Social isolation or relationship strain

How can individuals cope with the psychological impact of scabies? Strategies may include:

• Seeking support from friends, family, or support groups
• Practicing stress-reduction techniques
• Focusing on the treatable nature of the condition
• Addressing any misconceptions about scabies to reduce stigma

By understanding the nature of scabies, its transmission, symptoms, and treatment options, individuals can better manage this condition and prevent its spread. While scabies can be distressing, it’s important to remember that it is a treatable condition with proper medical care and hygiene practices.

What Are Scabies & How Do You Get Them?

In This Section

• What is Scabies?

• What are the symptoms of scabies?

• Do I have scabies?

• How do I treat scabies?

• How can I prevent getting or spreading scabies?

What is scabies?

Scabies is an itchy skin condition caused by tiny parasites. It’s passed through skin-to-skin contact, usually during sex. Scabies isn’t dangerous and can be cured.

Scabies is a skin condition

Scabies (pronounced skay-bees) is caused by scabies mites — tiny, insect-like parasites that infect the top layer of your skin. Scabies causes rashes, irritation, and a ton of itching. It’s easily spread to other people during skin-to-skin touching.

Scabies mites burrow underneath the top layer of your skin and lay eggs. The eggs lead to more mites, but most people with scabies only have about 10-15 mites on their body at a time. The mites are super small so you might not see them, but you’ll probably notice the itching and irritation they cause.

Scabies can be really uncomfortable, but it’s usually not dangerous. It can be cured with medicated creams or pills.

How is scabies contracted?

Scabies is spread by direct skin-to-skin touching. This usually happens during sex, especially when your bodies are touching or close for a long time (like if you sleep in a bed together).

Most adults get scabies from sex, but you can get it other ways, too. Scabies can be spread to other people in your home, and it’s common in crowded places that may have lots of close skin contact (like nursing homes, prisons, and child care places). You can sometimes get scabies from sharing an infected person’s clothes, towels, or bedding.

It’s very hard to get scabies from quick, casual touching, like handshakes or hugs. You also can’t usually get scabies from toilet seats. Most of the time, it takes lots of close, personal contact with an infected person for scabies to spread.

Was this page helpful?

• Yes

• No

Help us improve – how could this information be more helpful?

How did this information help you?

Please answer below.

Are you human? (Sorry, we have to ask!)

Please don’t check this box if you are a human.

You’re the best! Thanks for your feedback.

Thanks for your feedback.

Back to top

We couldn’t access your location, please search for a location.

Zip, City, or State

Please enter a valid 5-digit zip code or city or state.

Please fill out this field.

Service
All Services
Abortion

Abortion Referrals

Birth Control

COVID-19 Vaccine

HIV Services

Men’s Health Care

Mental Health

Morning-After Pill (Emergency Contraception)

Pregnancy Testing & Services

Primary Care

STD Testing, Treatment & Vaccines

Transgender Hormone Therapy

Women’s Health Care

Filter By
All
Telehealth
In-person

Please enter your age and the first day of your last period for more accurate abortion options. Your information is private and anonymous.

AGE

This field is required.

Or call
1-800-230-7526

Scabies: Who gets and causes

Diseases & conditions

• 
  
  Coronavirus Resource Center
  
• 
  
  Acne
  
• 
  
  Eczema
  
• 
  
  Hair loss
  
• 
  
  Psoriasis
  
• 
  
  Rosacea
  
• 
  
  Skin cancer
  
• 
  
  A to Z diseases
  
• 
  
  A to Z videos
  

• DIY acne treatment
• How dermatologists treat
• Skin care: Acne-prone skin
• Causes
• Is it really acne?

• Types & treatments
• Childhood eczema
• Adult eczema
• Insider secrets

• Types of hair loss
• Treatment for hair loss
• Causes of hair loss
• Hair care matters
• Insider secrets

• What is psoriasis
• Diagnosis & treatment
• Skin, hair & nail care
• Triggers
• Insider secrets

• What is rosacea
• Treatment
• Skin care & triggers
• Insider secrets

• Types and treatment
• Find skin cancer
• Prevent skin cancer
• Raise awareness
• Español

Featured

How Natalie cleared her adult acne

Natalie tried many acne products without success. Find out how a board-certified dermatologist helped Natalie see clear skin before her wedding.

JAK inhibitors: A newer type of medication

JAK inhibitors are helping patients with alopecia areata, eczema/atopic dermatitis, psoriasis, and vitiligo. Here’s what you need to know.

Everyday care

• 
  
  Skin care basics
  
• 
  
  Skin care secrets
  
• 
  
  Injured skin
  
• 
  
  Itchy skin
  
• 
  
  Sun protection
  
• 
  
  Hair & scalp care
  
• 
  
  Nail care secrets
  

• Basic skin care
• Dry, oily skin
• Hair removal
• Tattoos and piercings

• Anti-aging skin care
• For your face
• For your skin routine
• Preventing skin problems

• Bites & stings
• Burns, cuts, & other wounds

• Itch relief
• Poison ivy, oak & sumac
• Rashes

• Shade, clothing, and sunscreen
• Sun damage and your skin
• Aprenda a proteger su piel del sol

• Your hair
• Your scalp

• Nail care basics
• Manicures & pedicures

Featured

Practice Safe Sun

Everyone’s at risk for skin cancer. These dermatologists’ tips tell you how to protect your skin.

Relieve uncontrollably itchy skin

Find out what may be causing the itch and what can bring relief.

Darker Skin Tones

• 
  
  Skin care secrets
  
• 
  
  Hair care
  
• 
  
  Hair loss
  
• 
  
  Diseases & Conditions
  

• Acne
• Dark spots
• Dry skin
• Light spots
• Razor bumps

• Caring for Black hair
• Scalp psoriasis
• Weaves & extensions

• Central centrifugal cicatricial alopecia
• Frontal fibrosing alopecia
• Hairstyles that pull can cause hair loss

• Acanthosis nigricans
• Acne keloidalis nuchae
• Hidradenitis suppurativa
• Keloid scars
• Lupus and your skin
• Sarcoidosis and your skin
• Skin cancer
• Vitiligo
• More diseases & conditions

Featured

Fade dark spots

Find out why dark spots appear and what can fade them.

Untreatable razor bumps or acne?

If you have what feels like razor bumps or acne on the back of your neck or scalp, you may have acne keloidalis nuchae. Find out what can help.

Cosmetic treatments

• 
  
  Your safety
  
• 
  
  Age spots & dark marks
  
• 
  
  Cellulite & fat removal
  
• 
  
  Hair removal
  
• 
  
  Scars & stretch marks
  
• 
  
  Wrinkles
  
• 
  
  Younger-looking skin
  

Featured

Laser hair removal

You can expect permanent results in all but one area. Do you know which one?

Scar treatment

If you want to diminish a noticeable scar, know these 10 things before having laser treatment.

Botox

It can smooth out deep wrinkles and lines, but the results aren’t permanent. Here’s how long botox tends to last.

Public health programs

• 
  
  Skin cancer awareness
  
• 
  
  Free skin cancer screenings
  
• 
  
  Kids’ camp
  
• 
  
  Good Skin Knowledge
  
• 
  
  Shade Structure grants
  
• 
  
  Skin Cancer, Take a Hike!™
  
• 
  
  Awareness campaigns
  
• 
  
  Flyers & posters
  
• 
  
  Get involved
  

• Lesson plans and activities
• Community grants

Featured

Free materials to help raise skin cancer awareness

Use these professionally produced online infographics, posters, and videos to help others find and prevent skin cancer.

Dermatologist-approved lesson plans, activities you can use

Free to everyone, these materials teach young people about common skin conditions, which can prevent misunderstanding and bullying.

Find a dermatologist

• 
  
  Find a dermatologist
  
• 
  
  What is a dermatologist?
  
• 
  
  FAAD: What it means
  
• 
  
  How to select a dermatologist
  
• 
  
  Telemedicine appointments
  
• 
  
  Prior authorization
  
• 
  
  Dermatologists team up to improve patient care
  

Featured

Find a Dermatologist

You can search by location, condition, and procedure to find the dermatologist that’s right for you.

What is a dermatologist?

A dermatologist is a medical doctor who specializes in treating the skin, hair, and nails. Dermatologists care for people of all ages.

Scabies in animals – symptoms, causes, treatment

Scabies in pets is a disease that affects the skin of an animal and is contagious. The causative agent of this disease is a population of small mites on the skin, which cause severe itching. Animals scratch their skin so hard that blood, crusts, inflammation, etc. appear.

As a rule, the clinical signs of the disease do not appear immediately, it can take several weeks from the moment of infection to the first symptoms. Much depends on the immunity of the animal, hygiene and other factors, which we will discuss below.

The first signs of scabies in an animal may be reddened areas of the skin with induration, they are best seen in the place where there is the least amount of hair. It is more convenient for a tick to penetrate the outer layer of the skin and make a move where there are fewer obstacles. Over time, redness becomes more and more and the poor animal begins to comb itself more and more often, and the wounds formed as a result of scratching do not heal well. How does scabies manifest itself in animals:

• – in dogs, scratching the ear with the foot (especially with otodectosis)
• – In cats, skin scratching and head shaking
• – Growth of the area of ​​redness resulting in – the appearance of bald spots
• – Rash in the form of nodules with indurations
• – Skin crusts
• – Suppuration of the affected area
• – Increased body temperature
• – Decreased appetite
• – General lethargy

Scabies mite drinks the lymph and blood of the animal, for this it bites into the upper layer of the skin and lays eggs inside it. The tick is very active in its passages, which is why the pet begins to itch. The animal scratches its skin and hair falls out at the site of scratching and pus may appear.

If treatment is not started in time, then the eggs laid will soon turn into ticks again and there will be a lot of foci on the body of the animal. When examining a patient, the veterinarian collects data for the medical history, conducts a study by scraping the skin. These manipulations exclude such diseases as:

• – allergy
• – dermatitis
• – lichen (dermatomycosis)

Pathogens

To cure an animal, you need to know what type of scabies mite belongs to. There are 4 main types of disease.

Otodectosis

The causative agent is a tiny mite that lives on the ear Otodectes cynotis. The full size of the tick is 0.75 mm. It can affect the outer and inner ear. The main distinguishing feature is itching in the ear area.

demodicosis

Demodex canis – cigar-shaped mite, body color is light gray. Size – 0. 2-0.3 mm.
Its distinguishing feature is the fact that it does not appear with the help of infection, but from the birth of the animal. Such a mite lives in the sebaceous glands and in the hair follicles. It begins to manifest itself with a weakened immune system.

There are 2 types of lesions:

• – minor (lesion no more than 2.5 cm)
• – significant (most of the body)

In the first case, the disease may go away on its own after a course of drug treatment. There is also a chronic form of the disease, it is accompanied by various complications. In the second case, redness and cracks appear on the skin, if ulcers and pus form completely poorly.

Sarcoptic mange

Sarcoptes scabiei is a wide oval shape, white or yellow-white, 0.14 mm long. The lesion usually occurs throughout the body. You can identify them by the appearance of light gray lines with small bubbles at the end. There is also another type of tick related to this disease – Sarcoptes canis.

The length of the parasite is from 0.2 to 0.4 mm, the body of the mite is light gray and round. Males live on the body for about a month, while females can live up to 1.5 months. On average, they lay 40 to 60 eggs in their lifetime.

Notoedrosis

Notoedres is a round, dark gray parasite, 0.5 to 0.45 mm in size. It is most commonly found on the outside of the ears, causing a foul odor and dark gray discharge. Very often this liquid sticks together and the coat looks ugly.

Ways and causes of infection with scabies

Scabies in animals can appear in several ways:

• – The pet has had direct contact with the sick person. The carrier can be a dog, cat or bird. Most often in the city, domestic animals become infected from pigeons. You can especially get sick in a public place or in a cluster of sick animals
• – By contact with the things of an infected pet. If you have several animals, then most likely they will all become infected.

However, most often the animal starts to get sick not because of a tick infection, but because of a weakened immune system and poor hygiene of the animal.

What factors can cause tick development:

• – Pregnancy
• – Worms
• – Subcooling
• – Lupus
• – Tumors
• – Allergy
• – Stress
• – Climate change
• – Eating disorder
• – Postoperative period
• – Change of teeth

Kittens, animals with chronic diseases and aged animals are also most susceptible to the development of the disease. Such a group of animals has weakened immunity, and it is not able to fight the parasite living in the body. The main thing is to come to the veterinarian on time and start treatment, otherwise the lesion will grow and complications will occur.

Treatment of scabies in pets

If the veterinarian nevertheless found an scabies mite in your pet, then you need to take certain measures to prevent future re-infection and rid your pet of the disease.

• – First you need to collect all the toys, bedding and things that the animal has come into contact with.
• – Then treat them with a special agent, or expose them to frost (you can boil them).
• – After that, it is necessary to wash the animal’s places of residence.
• – Then proceed to the actual processing of the pet. First of all, you need to wash it with a veterinary shampoo to cleanse the skin and coat of excess hair.
• – After the animal’s hair has dried, you can cut it in those places where tick bites are present. It is important to have a protective collar available. For safe cleaning of the animal’s ears, it is not recommended to use cotton swabs, as they can injure the affected skin. You can use cotton pads with water or oil.
• – Further, after complete treatment with the medicine, you must follow the instructions issued by the doctor. It is also important to understand that it is impossible to apply several drugs to the skin at the same time, since in addition to scabies, the animal may develop allergies or other complications. You can treat the animal with home remedies if you have been allowed by a veterinarian, such as:
• – Sulfur based soap (for bathing)
• – Herbal remedies

If you have more than one pet, all animals must be brought to the clinic for scrapings. If someone else found a tick, then the same treatment should be carried out, if not, then you can use a special collar and drops over the withers. Remember, only a veterinarian can make a correct diagnosis. If you see symptoms, it does not mean at all that it is 100% scabies, so do not self-treat!

Animal scabies

After visiting the veterinarian and making a diagnosis, what products are suitable for treating your pet. In most cases, preparations suitable for treatment include:

• – acaricides (against mites)
• – antibiotics (against bacteria and infections if there are complications)
• – anti-allergic
• – immune stimulants

The most common remedies for scabies mites are solutions, ointments and drops, such as: Amitrazine, Ivermectin, Sulfur Ointment and Aversectin Ointment.

Each drug has a similar action aimed at combating the parasite, relieving itching and inflammation. It is important not to delay treatment and stick to the schedule, otherwise it may be delayed.

Is scabies transmitted from pets to humans?

It is quite possible to infect a person from a pet with a scabies mite, but it most likely will not cause much harm to an adult. A slight itch will appear and soon it will disappear, because it is difficult for such a tick to gnaw through human skin.

If the parasite gets on a child, it can easily infect him, since the baby’s skin is much softer than that of an adult, and, accordingly, there can be many foci of inflammation.

Both cats and dogs suffer from scabies, but most often the infection of a child occurs from a dog. There is also a name for this disease – it is Pseudosarcoptic mange. If you have contracted the scabies mite from an animal, the symptoms will be a small rash and blisters, a rash most commonly seen in dog breeders and stable keepers.

In the human integument, mites do not create passages and scrapings without eggs. Prevention of infection will once again not come into contact with an infected animal, also if your pet has scabies, then treat the lesions with rubber gloves and boil the laundry. Most often, treatment is not required, but if there is severe irritation, then it is better to use anti-scabies.

Scabies prevention and precautions

• – Avoid contact with street animals.
• – Feed your pet a balanced diet that includes a complete set of vitamins.
• – Periodically inspect the skin, especially in hard-to-reach areas.
• – Keep an eye on the hygiene of the animal, its things, keep them clean
• – If you are planning mating, then ask for a health certificate from your partner animal. It is also important not to wean a newborn pet from its mother for 2 months, while natural immunity is being developed.
• – Prevent external parasites

Do not forget about the preventive examination in the veterinarian’s office.

Conclusion

In order to prevent unpleasant consequences in case of scabies mite, it is necessary to follow preventive measures, and if symptoms occur, consult a veterinarian in time.

It is advisable to protect children from wild animals and contact with them. If you decide to pick up an animal from the street, be sure to examine it at the veterinarian!

Follow us at:
– In contact with

Prices
Clinic addresses
Online booking

Scabies

Scabies is a parasitic skin infection caused by the scabies mite. It is manifested by severe skin itching and is transmitted by physical contact with the skin of the carrier of the infection.

Most often, young people and children get sick, especially in the autumn-winter period.

Scabies usually responds well to treatment.

Synonyms Russian

Scabies, scab, psoroptosis, chorioptosis, acariasis.

Synonyms English

Scabies.

Symptoms

Symptoms of scabies in case of primary infection may appear only after 4-6 weeks, in case of re-infection – already during the day.

• Severe itching, especially at night.
• Raised red skin rash, vesicles (small reddish nodules, vesicles that may be filled with clear fluid) and small, wavy subcutaneous burrows (scaly lines a few millimeters to 1 cm long). At one end of the passage, you can often see a tiny dark papule – a tick. In adults, the passages and papules are most often located between the fingers, in the armpit, around the waist, on the inside of the wrist, elbow, around the chest, on the buttocks, shoulder blades, knees. Spread to any part of the body except the face is possible.

In children under 3 years of age, the passages can also be located on the head, face, neck, ears, palms, and soles of the feet.

• Immunocompromised patients may have flaky skin without accompanying itching (especially on the palms and soles of the feet in adults, on the scalp in children).
• As a result of scratching the affected areas of the skin, secondary scabies may appear: rash, crusts, pustular eruptions.

General information about the disease

Scabies is a parasitic skin infection caused by the scabies mite. It is manifested by severe skin itching.

The disease is transmitted through close or prolonged physical contact with a carrier of the infection, in particular through sexual contact. Ticks can survive outside human skin for up to three days, but transmission through clothing or bedding is extremely rare.

Infection from animals is also unlikely because each mite species prefers a specific type of host. Ticks that infect animals can only cause a temporary reaction in human skin, as they are unable to continue their life cycle on it. In this case, scabies usually does not require treatment.

Children and adolescents are most susceptible to scabies. The frequency of infection is associated with the characteristics of the life of the tick that causes the disease, most often it is the autumn-winter period.

Once a tick has landed on the skin, it takes about 30 minutes to gnaw through it. Then, moving through the upper layers of the skin, it releases substances that destroy its upper layer. Scabies mites feed on dissolved tissue, not human blood.

In the daytime, the mites are inactive, but in the evening and at night they get to the surface of the skin, where they mate. After that, the male tick dies, and the female penetrates into the surface layers of the skin, forming a passage in which she lays 60-90 eggs. The formation of an adult mite occurs within 10-14 days, with less than 10% of the eggs becoming adults.

Usually about 10-20 adult mites live on human skin. The feces that the mites leave behind, the mites themselves and their eggs cause itching – an allergic reaction.

In advanced cases, scabies is accompanied by a bacterial infection of the skin.

In immunocompromised people (HIV-infected, leukemia patients), the elderly may develop a severe form of scabies – Norwegian scabies. It is accompanied by a large number of mites (about a million) and affected areas. In this case, itching may be minimal or completely absent. Norwegian scabies is highly contagious and difficult to treat.

Who is at risk?

• Students of boarding schools, schools, kindergartens, students.
• People with reduced immunity (HIV, leukemia patients).
• Leading promiscuity.
• Living in nursing homes.
• Military personnel, students of cadet corps.
• Prisoners and colonies.
• Living in unfavorable conditions, crowded, people without a fixed place of residence.

Diagnosis

For the diagnosis of scabies, an examination of the skin is necessary: ​​the presence of passages is established, scrapings are taken from the affected areas, which are then examined under a microscope to identify mites or their eggs.

Treatment

The treatment of scabies involves the destruction of the mites that cause the disease.