--- title: "Scabies: Symptoms, Causes & NHS Treatment | HealthAnswers" description: "A plain-English guide to scabies — symptoms, treatment, and treating the whole household." url: https://healthanswers.co.uk/conditions/scabies/ robots: noindex --- # Scabies: Symptoms, Causes & NHS Treatment | HealthAnswers Health A–Z A plain-English guide to scabies — symptoms, treatment, and treating the whole household. Written by HealthAnswers editorial team Medically reviewed by [HealthAnswers UK doctor review panel](https://healthanswers.co.uk/our-doctors/) Reviewed 3 July 2026 ## Quick answer What is scabies? Scabies is an intensely itchy skin condition caused by tiny mites burrowing into the skin. The itch is often worse at night. It spreads through close skin contact and is treated with a cream or lotion applied to the whole body — and everyone in the household needs treating at the same time. ## Who is this page for? This page is for people in the UK who want a plain-English overview of Scabies, including when to seek help and what NHS care usually involves. It explains general information, not what is wrong with you personally. ## Who should skip this page? Skip this page if you need a diagnosis, a prescription, or emergency care. It cannot replace a GP, pharmacist, NHS 111 or 999. If you are in immediate danger, call 999; for urgent advice that is not life-threatening, call 111 in England, Scotland or Wales, or use your GP out-of-hours service in Northern Ireland. On this page 5 sections ## Key facts about scabies - Scabies is caused by tiny mites burrowing into the skin. - It causes intense itching, often worse at night. - Treatment is a cream or lotion applied to the whole body. - Everyone in the household must be treated at the same time. ## What is scabies? Scabies is a skin condition caused by tiny mites that burrow into the skin and trigger an intensely itchy reaction. It is common, very contagious through close contact, and — although unpleasant — straightforward to treat once recognised. ## Symptoms The hallmark is intense itching, classically worse at night. You may also see: - a raised rash or small spots - fine, wavy, slightly raised lines (mite burrows), often between the fingers, on the wrists, or around the waist - scratch marks and irritated skin Symptoms can take several weeks to appear after first catching it. ## How it spreads Scabies spreads through prolonged skin-to-skin contact, and sometimes through shared bedding, towels or clothing. It moves easily through households and close contacts — which shapes how it is treated. ## Treatment Treatment is a cream or lotion applied to the **whole body**, not just the itchy parts, left on for the stated time and usually repeated a week later. Crucially, **everyone in the household and any close contacts must be treated at the same time**, even if they have no symptoms — otherwise the mites simply pass back and forth. Wash bedding, towels and clothes at a high temperature on the day of the first treatment. Itching can continue for a few weeks after successful treatment while the skin calms down; a pharmacist can suggest something to ease it. ## When to see a GP See a GP if treatment has not worked, the skin looks infected, the diagnosis is uncertain, or for babies, elderly people and anyone with a weakened immune system. ## ! When to see a GP about scabies See a pharmacist for scabies treatment — they can supply it and explain how to use it. See a GP if treatment has not worked after the full course, if the skin looks infected (weeping, crusting, spreading redness), for babies, very elderly people or anyone with a weakened immune system, or if you are unsure of the diagnosis. ## Common questions about scabies What are the symptoms of scabies? Intense itching — typically worse at night — with a raised rash or spots, and sometimes fine, wavy lines (burrows) on the skin, often between the fingers, on wrists or around the waist. How do you catch scabies? Through prolonged skin-to-skin contact with someone who has it, and sometimes via shared bedding or clothing. It spreads easily within households, which is why everyone is treated together. How is scabies treated? With a cream or lotion applied to the whole body (not just itchy areas), left on for the time stated, and usually repeated a week later. Wash bedding, towels and clothes at a high temperature on the day of first treatment. Why am I still itching after treatment? Itching can continue for a few weeks after successful treatment as the skin settles — this does not necessarily mean it has failed. If itching persists beyond that, or new burrows appear, see a GP. ## Sources - [NHS — Scabies](https://www.nhs.uk/conditions/scabies/)