What is Scabies?

Scabies is caused by small insects called mites, known by the scientific name Sarcoptes scabiei.
 

How is Scabies Transmitted?

Scabies is passed by direct skin-to-skin contact with someone with scabies or contact with infested bedding, towels, and clothing.
 

What are the Symptoms of Scabies?

You may have itchy small, raised, red bumps or blisters on the skin (burrows). These symptoms will usually occur two to six weeks after exposure in people without previous exposure. People with previous exposure can develop symptoms one to four days after exposure. Scabies affects the webs of the fingers, wrists and elbows, underarms, belt line, thighs, and genitalia in men; nipples, abdomen, and the lower part of the buttocks in women.
 

How Do I Know if I Have Scabies?

A health care provider can examine skin scrapings under a microscope to find burrows, mites, eggs, or the mite’s feces in affected skin. 
 

How is Scabies Treated?

You can cure scabies with medicated creams, lotions, or shampoos that kill scabies mites. Machine wash your bedding, towels, and clothing and dry them using the heat cycle, dry clean, or remove from body contact for at least 72 hours. Tell people you have had sexual, close, or household contact with to get examined and treated to prevent getting scabies again.
 

How Do I Prevent Scabies?

Avoid skin-to-skin contact with people with scabies and infested bedding, towels, and clothing.