Symptoms Itching is often severe at night. Small bumps or fine burrow lines may appear between the fingers, on wrists, waist, underarms, buttocks or genital area. Infants and older adults may have a different distribution.
Transmission Scabies usually spreads through prolonged skin-to-skin contact. It may also spread through recently used clothing, towels or bedding, especially in crusted scabies. Symptoms can take weeks to appear after a first infestation.
Treatment Prescription scabicide cream or oral medicine is used according to age, pregnancy status and severity. Instructions must be followed exactly, including where the medicine is applied and whether treatment is repeated. Household members and close contacts may need treatment at the same time even before symptoms develop.
Cleaning and recovery Wash or heat-dry recently used clothing and bedding, or seal items that cannot be washed as directed. Itching may continue for several weeks after mites are killed, but new burrows or worsening rash require review.
Seek prompt care for crusting, infection, pregnancy, infancy, immune suppression or an outbreak in a shared facility.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is scabies caused by poor hygiene?
No. Anyone can get scabies.
Why is itching worse at night?
Nighttime itching is a common feature of the immune reaction to mites.
Must family members be treated?
Close contacts often need simultaneous treatment to prevent reinfection.
Can itching continue after treatment?
Yes, for several weeks, although new lesions should be reviewed.
This information is for education only and does not replace medical assessment or treatment by a qualified physician.