What Are Scabies?

Scabies is an itchy rash from a skin infestation with a tiny female mite, that burrows into a person’s skin to lay her eggs. The mite is named Sarcoptes scabiei. Scabies has become relatively common throughout the general population. It is highly contagious and is spread primarily through sexual contact, although it also is commonly transmitted by contact with skin, infested sheets, towels, or even furniture.

Symptoms

Scabies causes intense itching, which often becomes worse at night. Small red bumps or lines appear on the body at sites where the female scabies mite has burrowed into the skin to lay her eggs. The areas most commonly affected include the hands (especially between the fingers), wrists, elbows, lower abdomen, and genitals. The skin reaction may not develop until a month or more after infestation. During this time, a person may pass the disease unknowingly to a sex partner or to another person with whom he or she has close contact.

Incubation Period

Two – six weeks before the onset of itching.

Diagnosis

Scabies may be confused with other skin irritations such as poison ivy or eczema. To make an accurate diagnosis, a health care provider takes a scraping of the irritated area and examines it under a microscope, to reveal the presence of the mite.

Treatment

As with pubic lice, lindane is an effective treatment for scabies. (Pregnant women should consult a doctor before using this product.) Nonprescription remedies such as sulfur ointment also are available. Sulfur is fairly effective but may be objectionable because of its odor and messiness. Itching can persist even after the infestation has been eliminated because of lingering skin irritation. A hydrocortisone cream or ointment or a soothing lotion may provide relief from itching.

Prevention

Family members and sex partners of a person with scabies are advised to undergo treatment. Twenty-four hours after drug therapy, a person with scabies infestation is no longer contagious to others, even though the skin irritation may persist for some time. As with pubic lice, special care must be taken to rid clothing and bedding of any mites.