What is scabies?
What causes scabies?
Scabies is caused by a certain type of mite. The mite tunnels into your skin to lay eggs. This causes severe itching and a rash.
You can get scabies by coming into contact with someone who has scabies. You can also get scabies by using the same towels, bedding, or clothes used by someone who has scabies.
What are the symptoms of scabies?
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Severe itching that's usually worse at night
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A rash of tiny red bumps that sometimes form in a straight line
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The bumps usually are on the fingers, wrists, and arms but can be anywhere on your body (except on an adult’s face)
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Babies may also get the rash on their face, scalp (especially behind the ears), palms of their hands, or soles of their feet
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Older people may have a very mild rash, making it harder to see
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If you have HIV infection, scabies may spread all over your body
How can doctors tell if I have scabies?
How do doctors treat scabies?
Doctors will treat you, your family members, and anyone else who’s had close contact with you.
To kill the mites
How can I keep scabies from spreading?
Mites spread easily from person to person, sometimes to everyone in your household. To keep scabies from spreading:
Also, kill mites that may be on your clothing, towels, and bedding by doing one of the following:
Most people get scabies in a place where there are a lot of people, such as a school or in the military. Getting scabies is not related to being unclean.
