Scabies

ARTICLE SECTIONS

Definition
Symptoms
Causes
When to seek medical advice
Tests and diagnosis

Complications
Treatments and drugs
Prevention
Lifestyle and home remedies

Definition

Scabies is an itchy skin condition caused by a tiny, eight-legged burrowing mite called Sarcoptes scabiei. The presence of the mite leads to intense itching in the area of its burrows. The urge to scratch may be especially strong while you're in bed at night.

Scabies is contagious and can spread quickly through close physical contact in a family, child care group, school class or nursing home. Because of the contagious nature of scabies, doctors often recommend treatment for entire families or contact groups to eliminate the mite.

Take heart in that scabies is readily treated. Medications applied to your skin kill the mites that cause scabies, although you may still experience some itching for several weeks.

Symptoms