Scabies is a common and highly contagious skin infestation caused by a microscopic mite called Sarcoptes scabiei. The mite burrows into the top layer of the skin, where it lives and lays eggs. This triggers an allergic reaction in the body, leading to intense itching and a visible skin rash. Scabies can affect people of all ages and occurs worldwide.

Scabies is usually diagnosed based on clinical signs and, in some cases, simple tests to confirm the presence of mites.

• Physical Examination of the Skin: A healthcare provider carefully checks the skin for signs of scabies, including redness, bumps, and scratch marks.
• Identification of Burrows or Rash Patterns: The presence of thin, wavy burrow lines and a typical distribution of rash helps support the diagnosis.
• Skin Scraping Was Examined Under a Microscope: In uncertain cases, a small skin sample is taken and examined to detect mites. eggs, or fecal matter.
• Other Tests (if needed): In rare cases, urine or other body fluid tests may be done, especially for people with weak immune systems.
• Antibiotic Sensitivity Testing: If Salmonella is found, the lab may test which antibiotics work best. This helps doctors choose the right treatment if antibiotics are needed.

Certain factors increase the likelihood of getting scabies, especially in close-contact settings.

• Close Contact With an Infected Person: Living with or having prolonged physical contact with someone who has scabies increases the risk of transmission.
• Crowded Living Environments: Places such as hostels, nursing homes, childcare centers, and prisons make the spread easier due to frequent close contact.
• Sharing Personal Items: Using contaminated clothing, bedding, or towels raises the chance of infestation.
• Weakened Immune System: People with reduced immunity are at higher risk of severe or crusted scabies.
• Institutional or Community Outbreaks: Exposure during outbreaks in group living settings increases the risk of infection.

Scabies is treatable with prescription medications that kill the mites and help relieve symptoms. Treatment should include the affected person and close contacts.

Topical Permethrin Cream: Applied over the entire body, this cream kills the mites and their eggs. It is considered the first-line treatment and is safe for most people, including children and adults.

Oral Ivermectin: Used in severe cases, crusted scabies, or when topical treatment fails. It is taken as a pill and helps control outbreaks or infestations in people who cannot use creams.

Antihistamines: These medications reduce itching and allergic reactions caused by the mites. They are especially helpful at night when itching is worst.

Topical Corticosteroids: Mild steroid creams may be applied after mite treatment to reduce inflammation, redness, and swelling caused by the immune response to the infestation.

Antibiotics: Prescribed only if secondary bacterial infections develop from scratching. They help prevent complications and promote skin healing.

Treatment of Close Contacts: All household members and close contacts should be treated at the same time, even if they show no symptoms, to prevent reinfestation and break the cycle of transmission.