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.
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.