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 American Academy of Dermatology American Academy of Dermatology 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 Scabies Start Here Scabies American Academy of Dermatology Scabies Centers for Disease Control and Prevention Scabies Mayo Foundation for Medical Education and Research Scabies: Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) Centers for Disease Control and Prevention Images Scabies Logical Images Array Scabies Teenagers Scabies Children’s Hospital Boston Scabies Nemours Foundation Children Scabies Nemours Foundation Scabies (For Parents) Nemours Foundation Scabies Treatment American Academy of Pediatrics 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
