Scabies is caused by small mites called Sarcoptes scabiei that burrow into the skin. The skin reacts to the mites, causing red itching bumps or blisters to form. If you develop scabies, your sexual partners and all members of your household should also be treated with a scabies cream or lotion.
Scabies
Scabies (Sarcoptes scabiei) is caused by small mites that burrow into the skin. These mites are too small to see. If you have scabies, the skin becomes very itchy and when you scratch you can spread the eggs to other parts of your body.
Scabies usually makes you itchy quite suddenly.
Scabies and animals
Animals do not get the same kind of scabies as humans. You can get the scabies (or mange) mite from animals under your skin. For example from dogs or horses. These mites will make your skin itchy and irritated for a while, but the mite will die in a few days. It does not reproduce on your body. Scabies from animals do not create ‘burrows’ on human skin.
Use calamine lotion to manage the itching.
Symptoms
Apart from being very itchy, symptoms can also include:
- Bumpy rash
- Lesions and spots on the skin filled with fluid
- Small ‘burrows’ in the skin particular between the fingers.
Treatment
- You can get a lotion or cream from the chemist to treat scabies. You need to follow the instructions carefully. Your partner and family members should also be treated.
- Wash clothes, bedding and towels in hot water.
- Pregnant or breastfeeding women and children should see a doctor before using any over the counter medications.
How it is spread
Scabies is spread by:
- Skin to skin contact
- Infected bed linen or clothes (scabies mites can live for a few days away from their human or animal hosts.
Prevention
The best way to prevent infection is to maintain good personal hygiene like regular hand washing and not share clothes or bedding with infected people.
References used for this topic page
More information:
Australasian College of Dermatology
Clinical care:
Last reviewed:
15-July-2011
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