Scabiesis a common skin condition brought on by an infestation ofSarcoptes scabiei,a parasitic skin mite.
Intense itchingand arashare common with scabies.
These symptoms are brought on by an allergic reaction to the mites' feces or saliva.
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The time it takes the itching or rash to appear can vary.
While proper treatment can kill the mites quickly, itching can persist after the mites die.
Complications and long-term effects can occur without the right care.
The mites can live here between one and two months.
When mature, the female can lay two to three eggs per day until she dies.
About 10% of the eggs laid survive to adulthood.
These eggs hatch as larvae in three to four days.
When the larvae mature, they repeat the cycle of tunneling and mating to expand the number of eggs.
The mites continue to burrow and reproduce until they are destroyed by treatment.
Is Scabies Contagious?
Scabies is a highly contagious disease.
You’re not likely to get scabies from casual contact like a handshake or a hug.
This occurs more often when the host has an unusually high number of mites or has crusted scabies.
When applied according to directions, these topical creams and lotions are considered effective in killing the mites.
Some scabicides, like permethrin cream, containallergensthat can irritate your skin.
This can make it hard to tell if scabies is going away.
When treatment is effective, new rashes and burrows should stop appearing within 2448 hours of treatment.
Prevention
Being infested and treated for scabies doesn’t protect you from catching scabies again.
The best way to prevent scabies is to avoid prolonged skin-to-skin contact with people who have scabies.
This helps reduce the risk of spread and prevents reinfestation.
The cycle goes on as the eggs mature to replace the adult mites that die.
The scabies mites and eggs trigger an immune response.
Intense itching and a rash are common responses to a scabies infestation.
A person with scabies can infest others, even if they don’t have symptoms.
Without treatment, you may get a skin infection or more severe health problems.
A Word From Verywell
It can be hard to live with scabies and its symptoms.
As symptoms appear and a rash becomes visible, it can be embarrassing to be around other people.
The discomfort of the itching and rash can worsen at night, interrupting your sleep.
Prescribed treatments have proven effective in killing scabies mites and their eggs.
Without new burrows and eggs, your skin can begin healing and symptoms can lessen.
Healthcare providers can prescribe the best treatment for you.
Using your treatment as prescribed can give you the best chance for prompt recovery and relief of your symptoms.
Frequently Asked Questions
Approved treatments are effective in killing the mites quickly.
Scabies doesn’t go away on its own.
This requires the use of prescribed topical medication only available from a healthcare provider.
If left untreated, the rash and itching can cause damage to your skin.
The constant itching can make you vulnerable to a bacterial skin infection.
Other health complications, like kidney failure or rheumatic fever, can also develop if the problem remains untreated.
Also, you’re able to pass it on to another person.
Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.Parasites - Scabies.
Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.About scabies.
Gilson RL, Crane JS.Scabies.
StatPearls Publishing; 2022.
Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.Clinical care of scabies.
American Academy of Dermatology Association.Scabies: diagnosis and treatment.
American Association of Dermatology Association.Scabies: tips for managing.
