Scabies

Description

An itchy rash from a tiny mite that burrows into the skin.

Overview

Scabies is a reaction to the mite called Sarcoptes scabiei, its eggs and its waste under the skin. Scabies can spread quickly through close skin-to-skin contact. Less often, it spreads through shared clothes or bedding. People do not catch scabies from pets.

Symptoms

Scabies symptoms include intense itching that is often worse at night. Scabies is often in skin folds. The condition also can cause thin, wavy tunnels made up of tiny blisters or bumps on the skin.

Treatments

Scabies treatment involves killing the mites and eggs with a prescription cream or pill. These medicines kill mites fast, but itching may not stop for weeks. Everyone in close contact with the person who has scabies needs treatment.