Scabies
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Causes, Symptoms, Treatment & FAQs
At Skinaite Clinic, your skin health is our priority. We understand how distressing skin issues can be—especially conditions like scabies, which often cause intense itching and discomfort. But the good news is, scabies is entirely treatable and curable. Let us walk you through everything you need to know in a kind and simple way.
What is Scabies?
Scabies is a contagious skin condition caused by tiny mites known as Sarcoptes scabiei var. hominis. These microscopic mites burrow into the upper layer of the skin where they lay eggs. The body’s immune response to these mites and their waste leads to severe itching, rashes, and sometimes allergic reactions.
Types of Scabies
There are a few different types of scabies, and it’s important to understand the distinctions:
Classic Scabies
This is the most common form. It typically affects the hands, wrists, waist, underarms, and other folds of the skin. It causes intense itching and a visible rash.
Nodular Scabies
This type presents as persistent, itchy bumps or nodules, especially around sensitive areas like the underarms or genital region. These bumps may last even after treatment.
Crusted (Norwegian) Scabies
A more severe form usually seen in individuals with weakened immune systems. It leads to thick, crusty skin filled with thousands of mites. This type is highly contagious and requires urgent and aggressive care.
How Does Scabies Spread?
Scabies spreads through prolonged, close skin-to-skin contact with someone who has it. It can also spread through:
- Shared clothing, bed linens, or towels
Living in close quarters (hostels, dormitories, care homes, etc.)
Signs & Symptoms of Scabies
Scabies symptoms don’t appear immediately—it may take 2 to 6 weeks after first exposure. However, if someone has had scabies before, symptoms can appear within days.
Here’s what to look out for:
- Intense itching, especially at night
- Red rashes, small bumps, or blisters
- Burrow lines—thin, greyish, wavy lines on the skin
- Scratching wounds or crusts from itching
Swelling or inflammation in affected areas
Common areas affected:
- Between the fingers and toes
- Wrists, elbows, underarms
- Waistline and lower back
- Buttocks and genital area
In infants: scalp, face, palms, and soles
Diagnosis at Skinaite Clinic
Our dermatology experts at Skinaite diagnose scabies through:
- A detailed skin examination
- Microscopic skin scraping, to identify mites or their eggs
- Dermatoscopy, a special tool that helps spot burrow marks or mites
Rest assured, we approach every case with compassion, privacy, and professionalism.
Treatment Options We Offer
At Skinaite, we create a customized treatment plan for each patient based on the severity and specific type of scabies. Treatment generally involves topical creams or oral medications, and we also guide you on how to prevent reinfection.
Topical Medications (Lotions & Creams)
These are applied directly to the skin:
- Permethrin 5% Cream
- Most commonly prescribed and highly effective
- Safe for adults and children above 2 months
- Applied to entire body (neck down), including under nails and soles
- In babies and elderly, also apply to scalp and behind ears
- Left overnight and washed off after 8–14 hours
- A repeat application is usually done after 7 days
- Sulfur Ointment (5%–10%)
- Safe for pregnant women and infants
- Applied for 3 nights, washed off on the fourth
- Has a strong smell and may cause slight irritation
- Benzyl Benzoate (10%–25%)
- Affordable option, more common in some regions
- May cause a stinging sensation
- Applied for 2–3 consecutive days
- Crotamiton (10%)
- Helps with both mites and itching
- Used once daily for 5 days
- Less effective than permethrin
- Lindane Lotion 1% (used rarely)
- Effective but may affect the nervous system
- Not advised for pregnant women, small children, or people with sensitive skin
❗ Important: Always trim nails and apply creams under the nails, where mites can hide.
Oral Medication – Ivermectin
For certain cases, especially severe scabies or when creams aren’t suitable, we may prescribe oral ivermectin.
- Given based on body weight
- Repeated after 7 to 14 days
- Not suitable for pregnant women or children under 15 kg
- Particularly useful for:
- Crusted scabies
- Institutional outbreaks
Individuals resistant to creams
Who’s at Higher Risk?
While anyone can get scabies, it’s more likely to spread among:
- People in close physical contact
- Those living in crowded conditions
- Healthcare or daycare workers
Immunocompromised individuals (HIV/AIDS, cancer, elderly)
Prevention Tips from Skinaite Experts
- Avoid skin-to-skin contact with infected individuals
- Don’t share clothes, towels, or bed linens
- Wash all fabrics in hot water and dry on high heat
Disinfect commonly used furniture and vacuum carpets thoroughly
Final Thoughts from Skinaite Clinic
Scabies may feel overwhelming, but you’re not alone. With early diagnosis, effective treatment, and the right care, it’s completely curable. If you or a loved one are experiencing persistent itching or rash, please don’t hesitate—reach out to our caring dermatology team at Skinaite Clinic. We’re here to help you heal and feel confident in your skin again.
FAQ’s
Very common. It affects over 200 million people worldwide at any time.
No, they are microscopic and not visible to the naked eye.
Red, bumpy rash or blisters, often with thin grey lines (burrows).
Yes, but itching may persist for 2–4 weeks even after the mites are killed.
Unfortunately, no. It requires proper medical treatment to resolve.
Topical permethrin and oral ivermectin are highly effective.
With treatment, mites die in 1–2 days. Symptoms improve over a few weeks.
They are attracted to warm, moist areas of the skin—not dirt or hygiene.
It’s not life-threatening, but very uncomfortable and contagious. If untreated, it may lead to skin infections.
No. It needs medication for complete recovery.
Not at all. Even very clean individuals can get scabies.
Follow hygiene precautions, treat all close contacts, and clean personal items.
Often in thin-skinned areas—like between fingers, wrists, or the waistline.
Yes, especially through prolonged skin contact. Brief touch usually doesn’t transmit it.
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