Scabies is an infection of the skin that is caused by a tiny parasite called a mite. The mite burrows under the skin, causing a pimple-like bump. Scabies is a fairly common skin infection.

The most common sign that a person has scabies is severe itching, especially at night. The skin that is the most often infected is around the wrists, elbows, armpits, the webs of the fingers, thighs, nipples, waist, lower buttocks, and genitals.

The mites that cause scabies are spread by directly touching the skin of someone who is infected. Sexual contact is also a means of catching scabies. Scabies mites can also be spread from towels or bedding if the person with the infection used them immediately beforehand. Sometimes there are groups of infections in child care facilities or nursing homes. A person who has scabies can transfer the infection as long as they have symptoms.

For someone who has never had scabies, the symptoms of scabies can begin anywhere from two to six weeks after being exposed. For someone who has had scabies before, irritation and itching can begin in just one to four days. The best way to avoid scabies is to prevent contact with infected individuals and eliminate use of clothing or bedding that may be infected with scabies mites.

Scabies is treated by using a skin lotion that you can get with a prescription from your doctor. Even after treatment, it is possible for the itching to continue. People who still have symptoms after a seven to ten days can use a second treatment of the lotion.

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