- Knowledgebase: Information on Specific Illnesses
- Here you will find discussions of specific illnesses and their management.
- 41. Scabies - Top
- Definition
A contagious skin disease caused by a very small mite
Causes, Incidence and Risk Factors
Scabies is found worldwide among people of all groups and ages. It is spread by direct contact with infected individuals and less often by sharing clothing or bedding. Sometimes whole families are affected. The mites that cause scabies burrow into the skin and deposit their eggs forming a characteristic burrow that looks like a pencil mark. Eggs mature in 21 days. The itchy rash is an allergic response to the mite. Mites maybe more widespread on a babies skin causing pimples over the trunk, or small blisters over the palms and soles. In young children, the head, neck, shoulders, palms and soles are involved. In older children, hands, wrists, and abdomen are involved.
Symptoms
itching, especially at night
thin, pencil-mark lines on the skin
rashes
Abrasions of the skin from scratching and digging
Signs And Tests
Examination of the skin shows characteristic signs of scabies.
Tests include microscopic examination of skin scrapings taken from a burrow.
Treatment
The objective of treatment is to eliminate the infestation. There is no known home remedy. Prescription creams and lotions are applied all over the body. It may be necessary to treat the whole family or sexual partners of infected individuals, even if no symptoms are present.
Kwell lotion
Elimite
Change and launder all bedding and clothing.
Itching (pruritus) may persist after treatment begins, but will disappear if treatment continues exactly as your health care provider prescribes. Itching can be minimized by cool soaks and calamine lotions. Acetaminophen will provide comfort.
Expectations (Prognosis)
Scabies are annoying but not a serious disease.
Complications
A secondary skin infection can occur because of intense scratching.
Calling Your Health Care Provider
Call your health care provider if you have symptoms of scabies, or if someone with whom you have close contact (not necessarily sexual contact) has been diagnosed with scabies, or if improvement is not seen 72 hours after starting treatment recommended by your health care provider.
Prevention
Avoid contact with infected persons, clothing bedding.
- Updated: March 5, 2001
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