Are scabies contagious?
Yes, scabies are highly contagious, especially in crowded environments where people come into close skin-to-skin contact.
Some examples of these environments include preschools/daycare centers, schools, prisons, nursing homes, group homes, and other crowded spaces. These environments allow scabies to thrive, as they can easily move from person to person and lay eggs.
Since scabies is so contagious, if you were in close contact with an infested person, you should seek treatment as well, even if you show no symptoms. Scabies symptoms can be delayed for up to two to six weeks after catching it, but individuals are still contagious during this time period.
What are scabies symptoms?
Because the skin does not immediately react to scabies mites, symptoms can be delayed for up to six weeks. When symptoms appear, common ones include:
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Intense itching that worsens at night
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A pimple-like skin rash, especially prominent between the fingers
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Scaly, blistering skin
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Sores from scratching the itchy rash
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Thin, raised burrow tracks on the skin, made up of blisters and bumps, ranging in color from white, to red, to skin color
Is scabies an STI?
Although scabies can be transmitted through sexual contact, it is not an STI. Scabies is not exclusively contracted through sexual contact. Any direct skin contact for an extended period of time can result in the transmission of scabies from one person to another.
Although it is not an STI, sex is the most common way to spread scabies between adults. A common infection site is the penis. You are at a higher risk of scabies on the penis if you have had sex or intimate encounters with a person infected with scabies. Your risk is also higher with multiple sexual partners.
Scabies on the penis looks like a pimply rash and raised burrow tracks. It is extremely itchy and will cause discomfort. If you think you have a scabies rash on your penis, see a doctor for official diagnosis, as there are other STIs with similar symptoms.
Condoms do not prevent the scabies transmission. The best way to prevent spreading scabies is to refrain from close contact and intimacy until the scabies is treated completely, and all bedding and clothing has been properly cleaned.
How do you catch scabies?
Any skin-to-skin contact, including sexual contact, is how scabies mites commonly spread. You can also catch scabies by sharing clothing or a bed with a person who has scabies.
Crowded environments that involve close contact with other people, such as classrooms and nursing homes, are common places for scabies outbreaks.
If you have been exposed to a person with scabies, catching scabies is likely because it is highly contagious. If you have been exposed, talk to your doctor to begin preventatively treating scabies. As symptoms of scabies are often delayed, getting treatment before symptoms arise will save you from the discomfort.
What is typical scabies treatment?
Scabies will not go away on their own and are typically treated with prescription creams and lotions called scabicides. Scabicide lotion or cream should be applied as directed by your doctor according to the instructions on the container.
While scabicides are highly effective at killing the mites, itching can typically persist for several days after the mites have been killed. To help reduce the discomfort of itching, there are several over-the-counter anti-itch creams and pills that can provide relief, such as hydrocortisone and antihistamine pills.
If you have come into close contact with a person who has scabies, you should undergo treatment as well, even if no symptoms are showing. This is because symptoms can begin to appear two to six weeks after contracting the infection.
How do you know if you have scabies?
Since scabies symptoms can be delayed, sometimes for several weeks, after catching scabies, you may not know if you have scabies right away.
Because scabies mites are highly contagious, even if you do not have a scabies rash, if you have come into close contact or have engaged in intimate contact with an infected person, you should see a doctor to begin treatment right away. The same is true if a member of your household has become infected with scabies. Scabies can also spread by sharing clothes, a bed, or towels with an infected person.
How can I treat scabies over the counter?
Trying to treat scabies with OTC medications can be ineffective and delay proper treatment. There are no effective over-the-counter (OTC) medications to treat scabies. Scabies is a skin condition caused by tiny mites that burrow into the skin and lay eggs. It's important to see a doctor for proper diagnosis and treatment to avoid complications and the spread of scabies to others. It's important to see a doctor if you suspect or know you or someone in your family has scabies.The most effective treatment for scabies is a prescription medication called a scabicide, which kills the mites and their eggs. OTC products lack the strength or effectiveness to eliminate scabies completely.Scabies can also mimic other skin conditions like eczema or allergic reactions. An experienced doctor can perform a quick examination to confirm scabies and differentiate it from other conditions. Your doctor will develop a treatment plan that includes medication for you and potentially your close contacts to prevent the spread of scabies. They'll also provide guidance on washing clothes, bedding, and towels to eliminate mites and eggs from your environment.Our board-certified physicians are available 24/7 for consultations. Within an hour, you can discuss your symptoms, receive a diagnosis, and get a same-day prescription for the right scabies medication.
