Scabies is a parasitic infestation caused by tiny mites that burrow into the skin and lay eggs, causing intense itching and a rash. The microscopic scabies mite burrows into the upper layer of the skin where it lives and lays its eggs. Scabies is not an infection, but an infestation. The most common symptoms of scabies are intense itching and a pimple-like skin rash. Scabies is often found in the skin folds, but it can appear on many parts of the body. In adults and older children, scabies is most often found between the fingers and toes, in the armpits, around the waist, along the insides of the wrists, on the inner elbows, on the soles of the feet, on the chest, around the nipples, around the belly button, around the genitals, in the groin area, and on the buttocks. In infants and young children, common sites of scabies usually include the scalp, face, neck, palms of the hands, and soles of the feet.

Scabies is transmitted person-to-person through close skin contact with an infested individual. The risk of transmission increases with the level of infestation, with the highest risk due to contact with individuals with crusted scabies. Transmission due to contact with infested personal items such as clothes and bed linens is unlikely with common scabies but may be important for individuals with crusted scabies. When someone is diagnosed with scabies, anyone who has close physical contact with the person should also be treated.

Crusted scabies is a severe form of scabies that can occur in some persons who are immunocompromised, elderly, disabled, or debilitated. Persons with crusted scabies have thick crusts of skin that contain large numbers of scabies mites and eggs. Crusted scabies is highly contagious and requires swift treatment to prevent outbreaks.

It is important to note that many skin conditions, such as dermatitis or eczema, can also cause itching and small bumps on the skin. Your healthcare provider can find the exact cause of your symptoms so that you receive the right treatment. Antihistamines or nonprescription lotions may ease itching, but they wont get rid of the mites or their eggs.