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Scabies is a highly contagious skin infection that causes unbearable itching of the skin. Caused by microscopic parasites called Sarcoptes scabiei, this disease develops as a result of the parasites opening tunnels in the skin and laying their eggs. Itching and skin rashes, which increase especially at night, are among the most prominent symptoms of scabies. If left untreated, it can both seriously affect the patient’s quality of life and easily infect the individuals around them.

We can control scabies, which poses a significant threat to public health, with various treatment methods and hygiene measures. In this article, we will discuss in detail what you need to know about scabies.

Table of Contents

What is Scabies?

Scabies is an infectious skin disease that causes severe itching of the skin. The causative agent of this disease is a microscopic mite (parasite) called Sarcoptes scabiei. The mites create tunnels in the top layer of the skin where they lay eggs and cause infection. Itching is caused by the movement of these mites and the immune system’s response to them. If left untreated, scabies is both personally uncomfortable and a disease that needs to be taken seriously as it poses a risk of infecting people in the environment.

What are the Types of Scabies?

Scabies, which has different types, may have different symptoms depending on its type. To take precautions against this disease, let’s start by getting to know this disease more closely. First of all, we can list the types of scabies as follows:

Classical scabies: This is the most common type of scabies. It is characterized by severe itching, skin rashes and tunnel marks between the fingers.
Crusted scabies: Occurs in people with weakened immune systems. It is characterized by thick crusts on the skin and a heavy mite load.
Nodular Scabies: Even if treated, it can cause permanent reactions in the form of nodules on the skin.
Animal Scabies: It is a type of scabies transmitted from domestic animals and is usually limited to short-term irritation.

What are the symptoms of scabies?

Scabies can be recognized by its specific symptoms. The severity and pattern of these symptoms depends on the progression of the disease. The general symptoms are as follows:

Severe itching (especially at night)
Thin, wavy lines between the fingers, on the wrists, elbows and groin area (tunnels of mites)
Redness, acne-like rashes
Wound formation on the skin due to intense scratching
Scaling and thick layers of skin in people with weak immune systems

Itching is often the most unpleasant symptom of the disease and is more intense at night. It can also negatively affect sleep quality and cause fatigue during the day.

What Causes Scabies?

Scabies is caused by infection with a parasite called Sarcoptes scabiei. This parasite clings to human skin and creates tunnels here and lays its eggs in these tunnels. The immune system’s response to the presence of mites causes itching and other symptoms.

The disease is usually spread in the following situations:

Living in crowded environments
Inadequate hygiene conditions
Direct, prolonged skin contact (e.g. between family members)
Use of infected clothing, bed linen and towels

Is Scabies Contagious?

Yes, scabies is a highly contagious disease. The most common route of transmission is direct skin contact with an infected person. However, the disease can also spread easily through shared objects. The contagiousness of scabies is increased when

Using the same items as close family members
Being in crowded environments (such as dormitories, nursing homes)
Prolonged physical contact

Because of the high risk of transmission, it is recommended that people around the person diagnosed with scabies should also be treated.

Can scabies be transmitted from animals?

Yes, scabies in animals (e.g. “sarcoptic mange” in dogs) can be transmitted to humans. However, this parasite cannot survive for long on human skin. Although it can cause temporary itching and irritation, it usually does not lead to a serious infection.

Human scabies has a higher risk of human-to-human transmission because it is caused by a different type of mite. This type of scabies must be treated.

How is scabies diagnosed?

Scabies is usually diagnosed based on the patient’s symptoms and physical examination. Doctors can use the following methods to diagnose scabies:

Skin Examination: Tunnel marks and rashes are examined.
Skin Scrapings Test: A skin sample is taken to observe parasites or eggs under a microscope.
Anamnesis: The patient is asked if there are other people in the patient’s immediate environment with similar symptoms.

The diagnosis of scabies can be made quickly, as the symptoms are usually very pronounced.

Does scabies go away on its own?

No, scabies does not go away on its own. As long as the parasites continue to reproduce under the skin, the disease progresses and the symptoms worsen. If left untreated, the disease can spread and cause more serious complications. Therefore, you should always consult a doctor if scabies is suspected.

How is scabies treated?

Scabies treatment requires the use of special medications to kill the parasites and relieve itching. Topical creams or lotions containing permethrin , sulfur-containing ointments and oral antiparasitic drugs (such as ivermectin ) are usually preferred. However, treatment methods may vary depending on the age, health status and specific needs of the person.

Infants and Children: Mild formulations such as permethrin are used because the skin is more sensitive in infants. Creams should be applied in a thin layer all over the body and left on for the recommended time. However, sulfur-containing creams may be preferred instead of permethrin in babies younger than 2 months.
In the elderly Scabies in the elderly may be more severe due to the weak immune system. Especially Crusted scabies may require more intensive treatment. Oral treatments such as ivermectin may be an effective option for the elderly.
Women and Men: Adults receive standard permethrin treatment. It is recommended to use the cream all over the body, not just on infected areas. During treatment, sexual partners should be treated at the same time.
In pregnant women: Permethrin and sulphur-containing treatments are considered safe for pregnant women. However, oral medicines such as ivermectin are generally not recommended. Medical supervision during treatment is of great importance.

Common to individuals of all ages and groups is the need to treat all close contacts. Otherwise, the risk of reinfection will be high.

How is resistant scabies treated?

Resistant scabies refers to cases where the mites continue to survive despite standard treatment. This is usually due to incomplete treatment or the parasite developing resistance to medication. The following steps are followed in the treatment of resistant scabies:

Combination Therapy: Topical permethrin and oral ivermectin can be used together. This combination neutralizes the parasites both on the skin surface and in the deeper layers.
Strict Hygiene Measures: Environmental factors play a major role in making the disease resistant. Therefore, all clothing, bedding and personal items should be washed and ironed at high temperatures.
Alternative Treatments: If there is no response to standard medications, alternative products such as benzyl benzoate or lindane-containing creams can be used.

Treatment of resistant scabies can take a long time and should be done under the supervision of a dermatologist.

What can be done at home for scabies?

Scabies should be treated with medication; however, some supportive measures that can be taken at home can speed up the treatment process and relieve itching:

Clothes and Things: All clothes, sheets, towels, etc. should be washed at high temperature (at least 60°C) and dried in a dryer if possible. Items that cannot be washed can be stored in airtight bags for 72 hours to kill the mites.
Reducing Itching: Cool baths can be used to relieve itching. Adding a little baking soda or oatmeal to the bath water can soothe the skin.
Home Cleaning: Furniture, carpets and surfaces should be vacuumed regularly. The dust bag or filter of the vacuum cleaner should be cleaned or discarded.
Skin Moisturizing: Moisturizing creams can be used to reduce skin irritation caused by scratching.

These measures play an important role in preventing the spread of scabies mites in the environment during treatment.

What is good for scabies itch?

Scabies itch is caused by the physical effects of the parasite on the skin and the reaction of the immune system. The following methods can be effective to relieve itching:

Antihistamines: Antihistamines prescribed by your doctor can reduce the intensity of itching.
Cool Compresses: You can apply cool, damp cloths to itchy areas. This method will provide temporary relief.
Moisturizing Creams: You can use moisturizing products to reduce skin irritation and relieve itching.
Steroid Creams: On doctor’s advice, creams containing mild corticosteroids can reduce itching.

Itching may continue for some time after treatment. In this case, it is important to be patient and continue to follow the supportive treatments recommended by the doctor.

Is scabies a recurrent disease?

Yes, scabies is a disease that can recur. The main reason for recurrence is incomplete treatment or re-contact with infected people. If prevention measures are not followed after scabies treatment, the disease can reappear. In addition, the risk of re-infection is high in such cases, as strains such as Crusted scabies are more resistant.

What is crusted scabies?

Crusted scabies is a more serious form of scabies and usually occurs in people with weakened immune systems. In this form, thick crusts form on the surface of the skin and millions of scabies mites can be found underneath the crusts. Symptoms of crusted scabies are the following:

Thick, gray-brown shells
Severe itching (not always)
Cracks in the skin and risk of infection

Treatment of crusted scabies requires oral medications in addition to topical treatments.

How Can I Prevent Scabies?

To prevent scabies, hygiene and cleanliness measures must be observed. The main precautions you can take personally to prevent scabies can be listed as follows:

Do not share personal belongings: Avoid sharing clothes, towels and bedding.
Avoid Crowded Places: It is important to avoid prolonged contact, especially in environments where scabies cases are common.
Be Hygienic: Take care to keep your skin clean and shower regularly.
Regular Cleaning: Regularly clean and wash household surfaces, furniture and objects.

After contact with someone diagnosed with scabies, taking preventive treatment can reduce the risk of infection.