Scabies
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Scabies is an infestation of the skin with the microscopic mite Sarcoptes scabei. Infestation is common, found worldwide, and affects people of all races and social classes. Scabies spreads rapidly under crowded conditions where there is frequent skin-to-skin contact between people such as in hospitals, institutions, child-care facilities, and nursing homes.
How do you get scabies?
- By direct, prolonged, skin-to-skin contact with a person already infested with scabies.
- Contact must be prolonged (a quick handshake or hug will usually not spread infestation).
- Infestation is easily spread to sexual partners and household members.
- Infestation may also occur by sharing clothing, towels, and bedding.
Who is more likely to get scabies?
People with weakened immune systems and the elderly are at risk for a more severe form of scabies, called Norwegian or crusted scabies.
Can I get scabies from my pet?
No. Pets become infested with a different kind of scabies mite. If your pet is infested with scabies (also called mange) and they have close contact with you, the mite can get under your skin and cause itching and skin irritation. However, the mite dies in a couple of days and does not reproduce.
What are they symptoms of scabies?
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Pimple-like irriations, burrows or rash of the skin, more commonly found on the webbing between the fingers, the skin folds on the wrist, elbow, or knee, the penis, the breast, or the shoulder blades.
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Intense itching, especially at night and over most of the body.
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Sores on the body caused by scratching. These sores sometimes become infected with bacteria.
How soon do symptoms appear?
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For a person who has never been infested with scabies, symptoms may take 4-6 weeks to begin.
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For a person who has had scabies, symptoms appear within several days.
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You do not become immune to an infestation.
What is the cause of scabies?
Scabies infestation is caused by the microscopic mite Sarcoptes scabei. The fertilized female mite burrows into the skin, depositing eggs in the tunnel behind her. After the eggs are hatched, larvae migrate to the skin surface and eventually change into the adult form. An adult mite can live up to about a month on a person. Once away from the human body, mites only survive 48-72 hours. The characteristic itchy rash of scabies is an allergic response to the mite.
Is there a vaccine for scabies?
No, there is not a vaccine for scabies.
Is there a treatment for scabies?
- Yes, several physician prescribed lotions are available to treat scabies.
- Apply lotion to a clean body from the neck down to the toes and leave on overnight (8 hours).
- After 8 hours, take a bath or shower to wash off the lotion. Put on clean clothes.
- All clothes, bedding, and towels used by the infested person 2 days before treatment should be washed in hot water and dried in a hot dryer.
- A second treatment fo the body with the same lotion may be necessary 7-10 days later.
How soon after treatment will I feel better?
- Itching may continue for 2-3 weeks and does not mean that you are still infested.
- Your healthcare provider may prescribe additional medication to relieve itching if it is severe.
- No new burrows or rashes should appear 24-48 hours after effective treatment.
Additional Resources
For more information on scabies, you may contact us at 918-595-4505 or e-mail epidemiology@tulsa-health.org.
For a downloadable brochure click here.
Centers for Disease Control and Prevention