This content was initiated, written and funded by Exeltis UK.
What is scabies?
Scabies is skin condition caused by tiny mites called Sarcoptes scabiei that burrow into the skin to lay eggs. The infestation triggers an allergic reaction, leading to intense itching and a rash.
What are the symptoms of scabies?
Scabies causes an intense itchy rash which is especially bad at night. The rash is like eczema with red pimple like bumps or blisters. The feature that is unique to scabies is burrow tracks made by the scabies mites which look like thin whitish lines under the skin.
The areas most often affected are between fingers and toes, wrists, elbows, armpits, waistline, belt area, inner thighs, genital region, buttocks, and around the nipples (in women).
What are the possible complications of scabies?
If left untreated, the skin can become infected causing impetigo, a condition where the skin becomes red and forms a honey-coloured crust which is very easily transmitted between contacts. In some cases, cellulitis a deeper infection of the skin or abscesses can form.
If scabies is left untreated for a long time, or in people with a weakened immune system, it can develop into a more severe form called crusted (previously called Norwegian) scabies with thousands of mites which is much more difficult to treat.
What are the common symptoms in babies and children?
Itching and rash are the main symptoms in babies and children, but the parts of the body commonly affected tend to be the wrists and between the fingers and toes as well as the face and scalp. Other areas may also be affected such as the nappy area and elbows and armpits. Infants with scabies may also be cranky and restless.
How does scabies spread?
The scabies mite is spread mostly by prolonged skin to skin contact with an infected person, so carers and children are at above average risk of getting scabies. Scabies may also be passed during sexual contact with an infected individual.
Less often, scabies may also be spread on contaminated bedding and clothes because the mites can survive up to 72 hours on fabrics.
Can I spread scabies if I don’t have symptoms?
Yes, you canspread scabies even if you don’t have symptoms. This is because scabies has an incubation period (the time between infestation and symptom onset), during which mites are already present and contagious. This may be up to 6 weeks if you have not had scabies before.
Where do scabies outbreaks commonly occur?
Scabies outbreaks commonly occur in crowded places like schools, daycare centres, hospitals and nursing homes, where people have close, prolonged skin-to-skin contact. These settings make it easier for the Sarcoptes scabiei mite to spread from one person to another.
How can scabies be prevented?
Scabies can be prevented by avoiding direct contact with mites, treating infected individuals promptly, and maintaining good hygiene.
Key hygiene measures are to avoid direct skin to skin contact with infected individuals and to be cautious in places where outbreaks occur such as nurseries, day care and schools.
Clothes, towels and bedding should be washed at a setting of 60 degrees and contaminated items that cannot be washed should be sealed in a plastic bag for at least 3 days. Avoid sharing clothes or bedding.
Infected individuals and all close contacts should be treated for scabies at the same time to avoid reinfestation.
Scabies of the arm. Image: Wikimedia Commons
What is the medical treatment for scabies?
There are different treatments available that are effective for treating scabies, talk to your GP.
Job code: EXE-E/INP-CORP-1772-v1 Date of preparation: March 2025
