Overview
Scabies is an intensely itchy skin condition caused by tiny mites that burrow into the skin. The itch is worst at night and spreads easily through close contact and shared bedding, so it often affects whole households. It is common in crowded conditions but has nothing to do with poor hygiene. It is easily treated with a medicated cream or lotion applied over the whole body, and all close contacts must be treated at the same time to stop it coming back.
Symptoms
- Intense itching, especially at night
- A pimple-like rash, often between the fingers, wrists and waist
- Thin, thread-like burrow marks on the skin
- Sores from scratching that may get infected
- Several family members itching at once
When to see a doctor
See a doctor for persistent night-time itching with a typical rash — treat all close contacts together and wash bedding hot.
Causes
The human scabies mite, spread through prolonged skin-to-skin contact and shared clothing, towels and bedding.