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Scabies
Reviewed by Medicinsk Expert•Last updated: 2026-10-22•Skin Hair Nails

Scabies

Scabies is an itchy skin condition caused by the microscopic mite Sarcoptes scabei that spreads through close contact.

Overview

Scabies is an itchy skin condition caused by the microscopic mite Sarcoptes scabei. It is common all over the world, and can affect anyone. Scabies spreads quickly in crowded conditions where there is frequent skin-to-skin contact between people. Hospitals, child-care centers, and nursing homes are examples. Scabies can easily infect sex partners and other household members. Sharing clothes, towels, and bedding can sometimes spread scabies. This can happen much more easily when the infested person has crusted scabies. You cannot get scabies from a pet. Pets get a different mite infection called mange.

Symptoms

Symptoms are:

  • Pimple-like irritations or a rash
  • Intense itching, especially at night
  • Sores caused by scratching

Diagnosis and Treatment

Your health care provider diagnoses scabies by looking at the skin rash and finding burrows in the skin.

Several lotions are available to treat scabies. The infected person's clothes, bedding and towels should be washed in hot water and dried in a hot dryer. Treatment is also recommended for household members and sexual partners.

Frequently Asked Questions

void direct skin-to-skin contact with an infested person. Do not share clothing, towels, or bedding with someone who has scabies. If you live with someone being treated for scabies, it's often recommended that all household members and sexual partners receive preventive treatment at the same time, even if they don't have symptoms, to break the cycle of transmission.
Itching can persist for 2 to 4 weeks after successful treatment, even if all mites are dead. This is due to an allergic reaction to the dead mites and their waste products. If itching is still severe or new burrows/rashes appear after 4 weeks, or if symptoms worsen during treatment, contact your healthcare provider. This could indicate treatment failure, re-infestation, or a misdiagnosis.
Symptoms usually appear 2 to 6 weeks after exposure if you've never had scabies before. If you've had it previously, symptoms can appear much faster, within 1 to 4 days. Yes, you can spread scabies to others even before you develop symptoms, as the mites are present and active on your skin during the incubation period.
Mites can survive for a short time off the human body, typically 2-3 days. For items that cannot be washed in hot water (like stuffed animals, shoes, or furniture), seal them in a plastic bag for at least 72 hours (3 days) to starve the mites. Vacuum carpets and upholstered furniture thoroughly, then discard the vacuum bag or clean the canister.
Source: MedlinePlus, National Library of Medicine

MedlinePlus brings together authoritative health information from the National Library of Medicine (NLM), the National Institutes of Health (NIH), and other government agencies and health-related organizations.

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