What is scabies

Last updated: April 1, 2026

Quick Answer: Scabies is a highly contagious skin infection caused by microscopic mites called Sarcoptes scabiei that burrow into the outer layer of skin, causing intense itching and rashes.

Key Facts

Overview

Scabies is a parasitic skin infection caused by the microscopic mite Sarcoptes scabiei. These tiny mites burrow into the uppermost layer of human skin to feed and reproduce, causing an intensely itchy rash. The condition is highly contagious and spreads rapidly through direct skin-to-skin contact, making it common in crowded environments such as schools, nursing homes, and military barracks.

Symptoms and Signs

The primary symptom of scabies is intense itching, particularly at night and after hot showers when skin temperature increases. Other symptoms include:

Transmission and Risk Factors

Scabies spreads primarily through prolonged direct contact with an infected person's skin. Close family members, sexual partners, and healthcare workers are at higher risk. The mites can survive only 24-36 hours away from human skin, so transmission through bedding or clothing is less common. Immunocompromised individuals and those with poor hygiene may develop more severe infections called crusted scabies.

Diagnosis and Treatment

Doctors diagnose scabies through visual examination and microscopic examination of skin scrapings. Treatment typically involves topical medications applied to the entire body, including prescription-strength permethrin cream or sulfur ointment. All household members and close contacts should be treated simultaneously to prevent reinfection. Treatment is highly effective, with symptoms improving within days, though itching may persist for several weeks.

Prevention and Management

Prevention involves avoiding direct skin contact with infected individuals and maintaining good personal hygiene. Infected individuals should avoid sharing towels, bedding, and clothing. Thorough washing of all contaminated items in hot water and drying at high heat kills the mites.

Related Questions

How is scabies transmitted?

Scabies spreads through prolonged direct skin-to-skin contact with an infected person. It can also spread through contaminated bedding or clothing, though this is less common since mites survive only 24-36 hours without human contact.

What are the symptoms of scabies?

The main symptoms are intense itching (especially at night), small red or pink rashes, and characteristic burrow tracks on the skin. Secondary skin infections may develop from excessive scratching.

How long does scabies treatment take?

Most topical treatments are applied for 5-14 days. Itching usually improves within days of treatment, but may persist for 2-3 weeks. Severe cases may require repeat treatment after 1-2 weeks.

More What Is in Daily Life

Also in Daily Life

More "What Is" Questions

What is telephone spelled backwardsWhat is bnb chainWhat is gwp in marketingWhat is rust programmingWhat is wardWhat is pqwl in trainWhat is potato spelled backwardsWhat is gdp per capitaWhat is iu in vitaminsWhat is pair programming likeWhat is kj in foodWhat is hba1c blood testWhat is lhr airportWhat is hct in blood testWhat is retail

Trending on WhatAnswer

How Does GPS Workdifference between ai and mlHow To Start a BusinessDifference Between HTTP and HTTPSHow Does the Stock Market WorkHow To Learn ProgrammingDifference Between LLC and CorporationDifference Between Virus and BacteriaCan you increase your iqIs it safe to invest in bonds

Browse by Topic

ArtsBusinessDaily LifeEducationFoodGeographyHealthHistoryLanguageLawMathematicsNaturePoliticsPsychologyScienceSpaceSportsTechnology

Browse by Question Type

Can YouDifference BetweenDoesHow DoesHow ToIs ItWhat CausesWhat DoesWhat IsWhen WasWhere IsWho IsWhy DoWhy Is

Sources

  1. Wikipedia - Scabies CC-BY-SA-4.0
  2. CDC - Scabies Information Public Domain