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Scabies

Also called: Scabies, mites in skin

Tiny mites burrow into the skin, causing intense itching, worse at night, and a pimple-like rash. Prescription cream cures it, and close contacts need treatment too.

CauseMites
ItchWorse at night
TreatEveryone in the household

Overview

Common places are between fingers, wrists, waist, and groin.

Itching can last weeks after treatment.

Symptoms

Common signs:

  • Intense itching, worse at night
  • Itching worse at night, or between the fingers

Less common

  • Tiny burrows
  • Rash between fingers

When to get medical care

Call 911This isn't an emergency by itself. Call 911 for trouble breathing, chest pain, or fainting.
Get care todayCrusted rash or spreading infection.
See a doctor soonItchy rash in household.

Causes

Skin contact.

Does it spread or run in families?

  • Yes, it can spread from person to person.
  • How it spreads: close skin-to-skin contact; sometimes shared bedding or clothes.
  • Don't share towels, hats, combs, or bedding while it's being treated.

Who is more likely to get it

  • Nursing homes
  • Crowded living

Possible complications

Diagnosis

A clinician looks at the rash.

Questions you may be asked

  • Itchy household members

The exam

A skin check.

Tests

Tests, if needed:

  • Skin scraping:

Treatment

Treat everyone at once.

Self-care

  • Apply cream from neck down
  • Wash bedding and clothes in hot water
  • Bag other items for 3 days

Medicines

Medicines that may help:

MedicineHelps withGood to know
Permethrin cream
MitesPrescription.
Ivermectin pills
Some cases

OwieClear doesn't give doses: follow the label or your healthcare professional. Medicine names here are examples, not a full list.

Which doctor treats this

  • Start with your primary care provider (family doctor or internist).

Back to school, work, or sports

  • You can go back to school or work the day after the first treatment.

Pregnancy and breastfeeding

  • If you're pregnant or planning to be, tell your prenatal provider about this condition.
  • Some infections can pass to the baby during pregnancy or birth. Tell your provider if you've been exposed.
  • Don't start or stop any medicine on your own. Some are safe in pregnancy and some need to be changed.
  • Ask before taking any pain reliever. The FDA advises avoiding ibuprofen and naproxen after 20 weeks unless your doctor says to.
  • Breastfeeding: Most medicines are fine, but ask. The NIH LactMed database lists what's known about each one.

Outlook

Cured.

Myths and facts

Myth: Scabies means you're not clean.

Fact: Anyone can get scabies through close skin contact.

Research studies

Research studies test new ways to find and treat health problems. Some are looking for volunteers. Talk with your doctor before joining one.

Search ClinicalTrials.gov for studies on Scabies

Sources

Last updated 2026-11-12.