Scabies is a contagious parasitic skin infestation caused by the Sarcoptes scabiei mite. It affects people in all regions, but is more common in crowded and tropical settings. The World Health Organization classified scabies as a neglected tropical disease in 2017 because of its heavy burden on poor and vulnerable populations. It remains one of the most common skin diseases in developing countries.
What Scabies Is
Scabies develops when female mites burrow into the skin, where they live, lay eggs and leave waste. The body reacts to this infestation with an itchy rash. The condition is not linked to personal cleanliness. It spreads mainly through prolonged close contact with an infected person and sometimes through shared clothing or bedding.
Symptoms And Common Sites
The main symptom is intense itching, often worse at night. In first-time infections, symptoms may take up to six weeks to appear. In repeat infections, they may appear within days. Common sites include:
- Between the fingers and toes
- Armpits and waist
- Wrists, elbows and knees
- Genital area and buttocks
- Under nails and around the nipples
In infants and young children, the rash may also appear on the palms, soles and scalp. Burrow marks, bumps and sores may also be seen.
Crusted Scabies And Risk
Crusted scabies is a severe form seen mainly in people with weak immunity. Such patients may carry thousands or even millions of mites. The skin becomes thick, crusted and scaly. This form is highly contagious and harder to treat. It can also lead to secondary bacterial infections if care is delayed.
Treatment And Prevention
Treatment usually includes topical creams or lotions and sometimes oral ivermectin. The cream is often applied over the body from the neck down and left on for several hours. Itching may continue for weeks after treatment. Household members of an affected person should also be treated. Bedding and clothes should be washed in hot water and dried in heat or sunlight. Items that cannot be washed should be sealed in a bag for at least a week.
Last Modified: April 27, 2026