Scabies
A very itchy skin condition caused by tiny mites that burrow into the skin. It spreads easily through close contact.
Quick Summary
Intense itching, worse at night, with a rash of small spots, often between fingers, on wrists, waist and genitals.
Cream or lotion such as permethrin applied to the whole body, treating everyone in the household at the same time.
Close skin contact, crowded living conditions, and sharing bedding, towels or clothes.
Overview
Scabies is caused by the mite Sarcoptes scabiei, which burrows into the top layer of skin to lay eggs. The itching is an allergic reaction to the mites.
It isn't a sign of poor hygiene. It spreads through prolonged skin-to-skin contact, so families and close contacts usually need treatment together.
Symptoms
Intense itching
Often worse at night.
Rash and burrows
Small red spots and thin wavy lines, often between the fingers.
Affected areas
Wrists, elbows, waist, armpits, genitals and feet.
Infected sores
Scratching can lead to bacterial skin infections.
Causes & Risk Factors
Biological Causes
Infestation with scabies mites, which pass from person to person through close contact.
Key Risk Factors
- Close contact Living in the same home or sharing a bed.
- Crowded settings Hostels, care homes and schools.
- Shared items Bedding, towels and clothing, less commonly.
Management & Treatment
01. Whole-body treatment
Apply permethrin cream from the neck down (including the head for young children) and repeat after a week.
02. Treat contacts
Everyone in the household should be treated at the same time.
03. Wash bedding and clothes
In hot water, or seal in a bag for several days.
Frequently Asked Questions
Why does itching continue after treatment?
Can pets spread scabies?
Can I go to school or work?
Sources and further reading
Last updated 21 October 2026. For more detail, see these trusted health organisations.
- Scabies(opens in a new tab) · MedlinePlus, US National Library of Medicine
- Scabies(opens in a new tab) · NHS