Scabies
(SKAY-beez)
The scabies mite burrows under the skin. It can hardly be seen with the naked eye. It belongs to the same family as the spider. It is usually sexually transmitted. However, school children often pass it to one another through casual contact.
Common symptoms
- intense itching — usually at night
- small bumps or rashes that appear in dirty-looking, small curling lines, especially on the penis, between the fingers, on buttocks, breasts, wrists, thighs, and around the navel
Often symptoms are not visible. It may take several weeks for them to develop.
How scabies is spread
- close personal contact
- contact with bedding and clothing
Diagnosis: Although people can diagnose themselves, diagnosis is often difficult. Microscopic examination of a skin scraping or biopsy by a clinician may be necessary.
Treatment: Follow the directions on the package insert of a prescription medication such as Kwell or Scabene. Repeated neck-to-toe applications may be necessary. Everyone who may have been exposed to scabies should be treated at the same time. All bedding, towels, and clothing that may have been exposed should be thoroughly washed or dry cleaned, and the home should be thoroughly vacuumed.
Protection: Scabies are highly contagious and there is no protection except for limiting the number of intimate and sexual contacts.
Updated 2005.
© 2005 Planned Parenthood Federation of America, Inc. All rights reserved.
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