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Scabies
Summary
Scabies is an itchy skin condition caused by the microscopic mite Sarcoptes scabei. It is common all over the world, and can affect anyone. Scabies spreads quickly in crowded conditions where there is frequent skin-to-skin contact between people. Hospitals, child-care centers, and nursing homes are examples. Scabies can easily infect sex partners and other household members. Sharing clothes, towels, and bedding can sometimes spread scabies. This can happen much more easily when the infested person has crusted scabies. You cannot get scabies from a pet. Pets get a different mite infection called mange.
Symptoms are:
- Pimple-like irritations or a rash
- Intense itching, especially at night
- Sores caused by scratching
Your health care provider diagnoses scabies by looking at the skin rash and finding burrows in the skin.
Several lotions are available to treat scabies. The infected person’s clothes, bedding and towels should be washed in hot water and dried in a hot dryer. Treatment is also recommended for household members and sexual partners.
Centers for Disease Control and Prevention
National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases
Find an Expert
- Centers for Disease Control and Prevention Centers for Disease Control and Prevention
- Find a Dermatologist American Academy of Dermatology
- National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases
Clinical Trials
- ClinicalTrials.gov: Scabies National Institutes of Health
Journal Articles
Images
- Scabies VisualDX
Children
- Scabies American Academy of Pediatrics
- Scabies (For Parents) Nemours Foundation
Start Here
- Scabies Mayo Foundation for Medical Education and Research
- Scabies: Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) Centers for Disease Control and Prevention
- Scabies: Overview American Academy of Dermatology
Patient Handouts
- Scabies Medical Encyclopedia
Diagnosis and Tests
- Scabies Diagnosis Centers for Disease Control and Prevention
Symptoms
- Scabies: Disease Symptoms Centers for Disease Control and Prevention
Prevention and Risk Factors
- Scabies: Prevention and Control Centers for Disease Control and Prevention
Treatments and Therapies
- Scabies: Treatment Centers for Disease Control and Prevention
Related Issues
- Scabies: Workplace Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) Centers for Disease Control and Prevention
- Travelers’ Health: Scabies Centers for Disease Control and Prevention