Do I Have Scabies?

Do you have intense itching?

Do you have itching that usually gets worse during the night?

Do you have a pimple-like rash on your skin (the bumps that look like hives, tiny bites, knots under the skin, or pimples)?

Do you have a skin rash in any of the following areas: between your fingers, on your wrist, elbow, breasts or genitals, around the waistline and navel, buttocks or shoulder blades?

Do you have a skin rash on the area covered by a bracelet, watchband, or ring?

Do you have raised lines on your skin that can be grayish-white or skin-colored?

Do you have blisters or scaly patches on your skin?

Do you find it difficult to resist scratching?

Do you have open sores on your skin due to frequent scratching?

Do you have thick crusts on your skin?

Do you have tiny black dots on your skin?

Has anyone else with whom you have frequent, close contact had a rash, itching, or both in the last few weeks?

Based on your answers it is unlikely that you have scabies. Scabies is a contagious skin condition caused by the human itch mites. Mites burrow into the upper layer of your skin to feed and live. In addition, female mites lay eggs in a tunnel that form in your skin. Scabies is characterized by severe itching. Anyone can get it, even very clean and neat people. It’s spread through close body and skin contact with a person who has scabies. Less often, it can be spread by sharing clothing, bedding, or towels with an infested person. Every year, millions of people become infested with scabies worldwide.

Based on your answers there is a possibility that you have scabies. Scabies is an infestation of your skin caused by the mite called Sarcoptes scabiei. The tiny mite burrows into the superficial layer of your skin where lay eggs and live. Scabies mites are mainly spread by direct skin-to-skin contact with an infested person. Diagnosing scabies is usually based on your symptoms and physical examination. Your doctor may take a skin sample from the affected area to confirm the diagnosis. Treatment includes prescription medications that can kill mites. Your doctor will also prescribe antihistamines to relieve the itching, which can be severe, especially at night.

Based on your answers there is a high possibility that you have scabies. Scabies is a contagious condition caused by burrowing mites called “the human itch mites”. Sometimes, scabies infestation can be severe, involving thousands of mites on the skin. The skin becomes covered with thick crusts. This type of scabies is called Norwegian scabies and affects the elderly and people with the weakened immune system. It is highly contagious and requires prompt treatment. Treatment includes prescribed pills, creams or lotions that can kill mites. Scabies spreads quickly, so your doctor will recommend treatment to all members of your family, even if they do not currently have symptoms.