Scabies

Scabies is a skin infestation caused the mite, Sarcoptes scabiei. Untreated, these microscopic mites can live on your skin for months. They reproduce on the surface of your skin and then burrow into it and lay eggs. This causes an itchy, red rash to form on the skin.  The itchy rash seems to be worse at night for most people and often affects areas of the skin, such as the waistline and groin.

The infestation of mites can be transmitted through infested clothing or bedding. Intimate contact isn’t necessary.

Mites from scabies can usually be eliminated effectively. Treatment often consists of medications that kill scabies mites and their eggs.

If you or someone you know has been in close contact with someone who has been diagnosed or treated for scabies or you have a red itchy rash that persists consider seeking evaulation and/ot treatment for scabies. 

Author

Edidiong Kaminska, MD, MBS FAAD Dr. Kaminska is a board-certified dermatologist practicing integrative dermatology centered on medical, surgical, and cosmetic treatments in the Chicago, IL.