Are you experiencing itching, a rash, or unusual rough lines on your skin? This could simply be an allergy—or it might be the early signs of scabies.
The term scabies is likely familiar to everyone, especially those with school-age or preschool-age family members, because outbreaks often start in such institutions.
Many people suffer from an infection caused by microscopic mites. The main symptoms are usually rash and itching, which can worsen at night. Although scabies is generally easy to treat, it can be difficult to recognize at first because its early stages resemble other skin conditions.
Early diagnosis is very important. While scabies usually has a mild course, in some cases it can cause serious complications. That’s why it’s recommended to see a doctor promptly, so they can monitor your overall condition and treatment process. Early medical attention also helps prevent the spread of the infection and protects family members and others around you.
In this blog, you will find information on what scabies is, how it spreads, possible complications, how to recognize it, and prevention methods.
Scabies is a parasitic skin disease, also known as itch mite infestation (Sarcoptes scabiei). It causes intense itching and a rash. The condition is caused by the scabies mite, which burrows into the upper layer of the skin (epidermis) to lay eggs, forming tiny tunnels.
The activity of the mites triggers an immune response, leading to itching, redness, small blisters, or rough lines on the skin. Mites are extremely small—about 0.3–0.4 mm—so they are practically invisible to the naked eye.
Scabies primarily spreads in two ways:
Close contact with an infected person
Through contaminated items, such as clothing, towels, or bedding
Mites can survive on objects for a few hours up to several days.
Scabies is one of the most common skin diseases worldwide. According to the World Health Organization, about 200–300 million people are affected each year. It spreads especially in places with close contact, such as schools, kindergartens, dormitories, and summer camps.
To identify scabies, it’s important to know its manifestations. Symptoms typically appear 2–6 weeks after the first infestation. If reinfected, symptoms can appear within 1–2 days, as the immune system responds faster.
Main symptom:
Intense itching, often worse at night or in warm conditions, caused by the immune reaction to the mites and their waste.
Other symptoms:
Rash with small red bumps or nodules
Thin, rough lines on the skin representing mite tunnels
Common areas for rash:
Between the fingers and palms
Tops of the feet
Buttocks
Ribs
Upper chest
Groin and underfolds of skin
In children, rashes, blisters, or lines may also appear on the face, neck, and shoulders.
A physical examination by a doctor is important to confirm the diagnosis. Specialists may use a microscope or special light to detect mites. Often, the diagnosis can be made based on itching, skin appearance, and contact history, without additional tests.
If you experience severe itching at night, notice a rash or blisters, and have had contact with an infected person, you should see a doctor immediately.
In most healthy adults, scabies does not cause serious complications. However, it can occasionally lead to:
Secondary bacterial infection due to excessive scratching
Scabietic dermatitis – inflammation of the skin with redness, rash, and itching, sometimes caused by overuse of medications
Post-scabetic lymphoproliferative reaction – an immune reaction to mite remnants after they are gone, causing itching and nodular rash, usually resolving within 2–4 weeks
Crusted scabies (hyperkeratotic scabies) – severe form with thickened, crusted skin and massive mite infestation, requiring intensive treatment
Chronic itching may also affect sleep, mood, and concentration, especially in children.
Children and adolescents are most vulnerable, but scabies can affect anyone. It spreads quickly in crowded or enclosed spaces, such as schools, daycare centers, dormitories, camps, and sports teams. Healthcare workers, teachers, and childcare providers are at higher risk due to frequent contact with children.
Additional risk factors include:
Being in crowded environments
Sharing utensils or personal items
Low vaccination coverage in the community
Scabies spreads through direct or indirect contact with an infected person, so prevention focuses on hygiene:
Wash hands with soap for at least 20 seconds
Avoid touching your face, eyes, or nose
Use tissues when coughing or sneezing
Do not share personal items like utensils, towels, or cosmetics
Disinfect surfaces and items that the infected person has touched. Support your immune system through proper nutrition, sleep, and stress management.
Isolation of infected individuals is crucial. They should stay home and avoid crowded areas like school, daycare, or office. Minimize contact with children, pregnant women, or immunocompromised people.
If a family member is diagnosed, follow these measures: ventilate the room, limit contact, use separate utensils and towels, and maintain strict hygiene.
Although symptoms are unpleasant, scabies is easily treatable. If you suspect scabies, do not delay a doctor’s visit. Early treatment usually involves medicated creams and oral medications.
Early diagnosis protects both your health and helps prevent the spread of scabies. Parasitic infections become complicated mainly when symptoms are ignored. Regular hygiene, awareness, and avoiding crowded spaces are the best ways to protect yourself.
