Condition
Scabies
An intensely itchy rash, worst at night, caused by a human mite that burrows into the upper layers of the skin.
At a glance
Who it affects
Anyone can develop it; close contacts may itch too.
What you notice
Intense night itch and small bumps, often between fingers, wrists or groin.
What may help
Treatment may include household measures after diagnosis; follow-up varies.
What are scabies?
Scabies is a common skin condition caused by a human mite which burrows into the upper layers of the skin. The mite cannot be seen, but the person’s skin reacts to it, causing an itchy rash.
People with scabies complain of severe itching all over the body, which is worst at night and interferes with sleep. There is also a rash that looks like red bumps, and it can sometimes become infected. The most commonly involved areas are between the fingers, the elbows, armpits, around the navel, the groin and the knees. In adults the face is not affected; children can develop lesions over the face too. In some people the signs are confined to the genitals.
Crusted scabies, also called Norwegian scabies, usually occurs in people with weak immune systems. They have a thick crust covering large areas of the body, hundreds to thousands of mites on their skin, and are highly contagious.
How does it spread?
People get scabies by skin-to-skin contact. It also spreads by sharing a towel, bedding or clothing with a person who has it. Anyone can get scabies, even people who are clean and neat, and several members of a family may be infected all at the same time. Children, close contacts of infected people, healthcare providers, people living in hostels, old age homes and adoption centres, and people with weak immune systems are at higher risk.
How is it treated?
Your doctor will start treatment as soon as the diagnosis is made, and the itching usually settles over a few days to weeks. The medication commonly prescribed is permethrin cream, applied over the body as your doctor directs, usually overnight. The next morning you bathe and wash all clothes, towels and bed sheets, dipped in hot water. Your doctor may also prescribe a tablet called ivermectin. The treatment may have to be repeated after a week. You may need an antihistamine to control the itch and help you sleep.
What can you do at home?
All members of the family should be treated at the same time.
How the clinic approaches it
Your doctor may confirm the diagnosis and guide treatment for close contacts. Response and repeat care vary.
Points to remember
- Avoid sharing towels or bedding.
- Tell close contacts.
- Do not self-medicate.
Book an appointment
One clinic, one address, one number. Skin appointments and ENT appointments are booked the same way.
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