What is scabies?
Scabies is a highly contagious skin condition caused by infestation with the Sarcoptes scabiei mite. The tiny mite burrows into the skin, laying eggs and causing intense itching and a pimple-like rash.
Scabies can affect people of all ages and backgrounds, often spreading in crowded or close-contact environments such as households, schools, or care homes. While not dangerous in healthy individuals, it can be extremely uncomfortable and disruptive.
What causes scabies?
- Infestation with Sarcoptes scabiei mites
- Close skin-to-skin contact with an infected person
- Sharing clothes, bedding, or towels with an infested person
Common triggers:
- Household outbreaks
- Nursing homes, schools, or childcare settings
- Sexual contact
What are the common symptoms of scabies?
You may notice:
- Intense itching, often worse at night
- Small red bumps, blisters, or burrow tracks
- Rash commonly affecting webs of fingers, wrists, elbows, armpits, waist, and genital area
- Secondary infection from scratching
How is scabies diagnosed?
Diagnosis is usually clinical:
- Visual inspection of typical rash and burrows
- Symptom history, including exposure to infected individuals
- Skin scraping under a microscope may confirm mites in uncertain cases
Online GP consultation is suitable for initial assessment, prescription, and advice for household treatment. In-person review may be needed if:
- Secondary infection is suspected
- Severe or crusted scabies (rare)
- Diagnosis is uncertain
How long does scabies last?
- With treatment: 1–2 weeks for rash and itching to resolve
- Without treatment: persistent for months, may spread to others
Is scabies contagious?
Yes. Scabies spreads via:
- Direct skin-to-skin contact
- Shared clothing, towels, or bedding
How to feel better and recover quickly
Self-care at Home:
- Wash clothing, bedding, and towels in hot water
- Avoid close physical contact until treated
- Trim nails to reduce skin damage from scratching
Treatment from a GP:
- Prescription scabicidal creams (permethrin, malathion)
- Oral ivermectin in some cases
- Advice for treating household contacts
When Referral is Needed:
- Crusted scabies
- Severe secondary infection
- Immunocompromised patients
When to seek urgent medical help
Seek urgent medical attention in A&E if:
- Widespread skin infection develops
- Severe secondary infection with fever
- Symptoms are rapidly worsening
Seek same-day GP care if:
- Persistent itching and rash despite initial treatment
- Household outbreak requiring simultaneous management
How Dr.Online UK can help
We offer:
- Same-day online GP appointments
- Assessment, diagnosis, and prescription for scabies
- Guidance for household treatment and hygiene
- Referral to dermatology for severe or crusted cases
