Scabies refers to the infestation of human skin by a microscopic mite known as Sarcoptes scabiei. Sarcoptes is a family of skin parasites closely related to psoroptes mites, which are known to infest the skin of domestic animals. The effects of Sarcoptes scabiei, known as scabies or “the itch,” are not uncommon.

Typically, scabies is contracted when a fertilized adult female mite burrows into the skin, usually at the hands or wrists, and lays its eggs.

The female burrows into the skin using its mouth and special cutting tools located on its front legs. Eggs are laid sporadically, in small numbers, as the mite burrows. As they hatch, the six-legged larvae climb out onto the skin and search for hair follicles, where they feed and molt.

It is within the human hair follicles that the larvae enter the nymphal stage, where the creature feeds and molts, eventually growing into an adult.

Infestations of these mites and cases of scabies are quite common. Scabies knows no bounds, affecting humans worldwide, across different races and social classes. Scabies tends to spread rapidly in crowded conditions with frequent skin-to-skin contact. Hospitals, institutions, child-care facilities, and nursing homes are common breeding grounds for Sarcoptes scabiei.

Symptoms of a Scabies Infestation

The following symptoms are common signs of a scabies infestation:

Pimple-like irritations or other skin rashes: Commonly, these irritations will occur between fingers, on skin folds on the wrist, elbow, or knee, as well as on the penis, the breast, or shoulder blades. However, such rashes may occur anywhere on the body.
Intense itching: This itching usually occurs most at night and affects most of the body.
Sores: The sores that may occur during a scabies infestation are not typically associated with the infestation itself, but rather with scratching. Be aware that such sores may become infected with bacteria and cause additional health issues.

How Is Scabies Contracted?

A scabies infestation is usually contracted through prolonged, direct skin-to-skin contact with an infested person. This means that scabies cannot be contracted through quick handshakes or hugs. Infestation often occurs between sexual partners and members of one particular household.

This close contact variable makes not only institutional healthcare facilities breeding grounds for infestation, but also hotels/motels and dormitories high-risk locations because infestation can also occur through shared clothing, towels, and bedding.

Those who suffer from weakened immune systems, particularly the elderly, are always at a greater risk for severe cases of Scabies.

There is a common misconception that Scabies can be contracted from domestic animals. This is absolutely untrue. Pets are often infested with a different type of mite.

The Infestation

Without a host (the human body), sarcoptes scabei cannot survive more than three days. However, if they have burrowed into the skin, mites can live for up to a month.

An individual who has not been previously infected may not see symptoms for up to 6 weeks after exposure. However, those who have suffered from scabies may see symptoms surface within a few days.

Infestations can be diagnosed by a medical professional, who will examine the rash and take a skin sample. However, infestation can often be missed because there are usually fewer than ten mites on the entire body of an infested human.

Scabies Treatment

Several prescription topical solutions are available for the treatment of scabies. Be sure to follow your physician’s recommendations and the directions provided with the medication.

Typically, lotions should be applied to a clean body, from neck to toe, and left overnight. After 8 hours, the lotion should be washed away. All bedding and clothing should be washed thoroughly in hot water. A second treatment may be necessary approximately one week later.

Not only should the person diagnosed with scabies receive treatment, but all of their sexual partners and those with whom they have had close contact should be treated as well. All family members should receive the same treatment as well to prevent re-infestation.

Once treated, itching may continue for up to three weeks, even if the infestation has been eradicated. Additional topical solutions may also be available to soothe the itching.

Scabies is a skin infestation caused by microscopic mites, Sarcoptes scabiei, that burrow into the skin to lay eggs and complete their life cycle within human hair follicles. The condition spreads through prolonged, direct skin-to-skin contact and is common in crowded environments like hospitals, nursing homes, and dormitories, though it can affect people of all backgrounds worldwide. Key symptoms include intense itching (especially at night), pimple-like rashes typically found between fingers and on skin folds, and potential sores from scratching that may become infected.

While symptoms may not appear for up to six weeks in first-time cases, the infestation can be diagnosed through skin examination and treated with prescription topical medications applied overnight from neck to toe. Treatment should include not only the infected person but also close contacts and family members to prevent re-infestation, and itching may persist for up to three weeks even after successful treatment. The mites cannot survive more than three days without a human host and cannot be contracted from pets, making human-to-human contact the primary route of transmission.