Scabies often sounds scary and alarming — but it really isn’t. It is a common, human-specific skin condition caused by a tiny parasite called Sarcoptes scabiei var. hominis. This mite lives only on human skin, not on animals, and cannot survive long outside the body. With proper medical diagnosis, treatment, and simple hygiene measures, scabies is completely curable.
What is Scabies?
Scabies occurs when microscopic mites burrow into the upper layer of the skin, where they live and lay eggs.
Incubation period:
• In first-time infections, symptoms usually appear 3-6 weeks after exposure
• In previously infected individuals, itching and rash may appear within 1-3 days
The most typical sign of scabies is intense itching, often worse at night. On the skin, you may notice small, red, and itchy papules (bumps), with a linear distribution (burrows), caused by mite movement and the skin’s allergic reaction to the mite and its excretions.
Clinical Features
In Adults (Classical Scabies):
• Papules and burrows are most often found in the web spaces between the fingers, wrists, elbows, armpits, around the waist, and on the genitals (especially in men)
• The face and scalp are usually not affected in adults
In Infants and Young Children;
• Lesions may also appear on the palms, soles, scalp, and face — areas typically spared in adults
• The rash may be more widespread, and itching can sometimes disturb sleep and feeding
Scratching may lead to secondary bacterial infection, causing crusts or small pustules.
How Does Scabies Spread?
Scabies spreads mainly through close and prolonged skin contact, such as hugging, sleeping in the same bed, or caring for someone who has it. It may also spread by sharing clothing, towels, or bedding - but mites survive only up to 3 days (72 hours) outside the body.
Quick contact, like shaking hands or sitting next to someone, does not usually transmit scabies.
**Remember: ** Humans only can transmit it. Pets do not carry or spread human scabies.
Diagnosis — Why You Should See a Dermatologist
Although itching and rash may look typical, only a doctor can confirm scabies and distinguish it from other itchy skin conditions, such as dermatitis or allergies.
A dermoscopic examination can help visualise the mite burrows directly on the skin — a quick, painless, and reliable method that supports the diagnosis. A clear diagnosis ensures the correct treatment and prevents unnecessary or repeated therapy.
Treatment — Simple and Highly Effective
Once scabies is confirmed by doctor, medication can be prescribed that kills both mites and their eggs. Self-treatment is not recommended, because incorrect use can prolong symptoms or cause complications.
The most commonly prescribed treatment is Permethrin 5% cream, which:
• is safe for children older than 2 months
• is applied once to the entire body from the neck down
• should be washed off after 8-12 hours
• if necessary, may be reapplied on the 7th and 14th day, as directed by the doctor
Other treatments, such as oral ivermectin, may be used in selected cases (severe forms), but always under medical supervision.
Sanitation and Prevention
To prevent reinfection, it is important:
• to treat all close contacts at the same time
• to wash all clothing, bed linen, and towels used in the last 3 days in hot water and dry them thoroughly
• to freeze unwashable items in a plastic bag for at least 24 hours
• to use a steam iron for additional sanitation
After Treatment
Itching may continue for 2-4 weeks after successful treatment due to residual allergic reaction — this is normal and does not mean the infection persists. Additionally soothing creams or antihistamines can be prescribed to manage this.
In conclusion
Scabies is not dangerous, not a sign of poor hygiene, and entirely curable with proper care.
The most important steps are:
• to get a correct diagnosis from a specialist;
• to follow the prescribed treatment carefully;
• to treat all close contact simultaneously
With timely medical guidance and a few simple measures, scabies can be eliminated completely — and peace of mind restored.