Lines (burrows) may also be present, which can help differentiate a scabies rash from another skin concern. Pain, inflammation, and infection can also result, sometimes indicating more severe or advanced cases.
Frequent Symptoms
Scabies is most commonly characterized by intense, persistent itching of the skin around the chest, arms, hands, legs, and genital area. Normally, the itching can be temporarily relieved with topical or oral anti-itch medications. That said, those options will not eradicate the mite.
Scabies often causes a visible rash that’s usually seen between the fingers, on the wrists, in the armpits, around the waist, and in the genital area. The rash is not unique, however, as it resembles that of dermatitis, psoriasis, hot tub folliculitis, and pityriasis rosea.
These symptoms begin after an incubation period and are associated with the mature stage of the parasite, during which it tends to settle deep in the skin.
Red or purple colorTiny lines, known as burrows, connecting colored areasSmall pimplesBumpy skinVisible white pus
Rare Symptoms
Scabies can be quite uncomfortable, and that’s especially so when the rash is associated with a painful sensation, which usually develops as the result of superficial scratches, deep skin wounds from scratching, or bacterial infections that may develop.
It is uncommon, but the scabies rash can progress to be quite severe, with redness, inflammation or blisters (pictured) in some areas throughout the body. This intense reaction is expected to be more severe if you have an allergic response to the parasite.
If you have a more intense than usual reaction to scabies infection, your healthcare provider may prescribe either topical or oral anti-inflammatory medication.
Scabies normally involves the arms, legs, trunk, breasts, and genitals, and involvement of the scalp, face, palms of the hands, or soles of the feet is rare in adults. It may, however, occur in very young children who have scabies.
Complications
In severe situations, scabies can cause areas of skin to develop crusted sores. This complication, known as Norwegian scabies, is an advanced form of the condition that typically develops in people who have a weak immune system.
The crusted skin contains a higher concentration of mites than what is normally seen with scabies. This condition is more difficult to treat and is highly contagious.
Bacterial skin infections require a different treatment than the treatment used for scabies itself. If you notice redness, swelling, or warmth of the skin, you may have a bacterial skin infection in addition to scabies.
In areas of the world where scabies is common, people often suffer from recurrent infections. Recurrent infections may be uncomfortable, and make it difficult to eliminate the infection from the household.
Additionally, for some people, recurrent infections have been associated with serious problems, including bacterial infections of the blood (sepsis), although this is rare and usually caused by an immune deficiency. Most complications of scabies are limited to the skin.
When to See a Healthcare Provider
If You Have Excessive Itching
If you experience severe itching that does not quickly resolve on its own, a medical evaluation is necessary. Scabies may or may not be the cause of your itching, but severe itching can be treated regardless of the cause.
If You Develop a Rash
If you suddenly develop a rash, this can be a sign of scabies or another health problem. Your healthcare provider can identify the cause of your rash and initiate the appropriate treatment for you.
It is important to identify whether your itching and rash are caused by scabies because, unlike most rashes, it can spread among your family members and community if left unrecognized and untreated.
If You See the Mite or Burrows on Your Body
It is unusual to see the scabies mite without a microscope because it is extremely small, measuring less than a half millimeter. However, if you notice anything on your skin that seems to be alive or moving, you should get medical attention. If you see small areas of your skin that look like tunnels, these may be burrows produced by the scabies mite.
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If You Have Been Exposed to Scabies
If you know that you have come in close contact with someone who has scabies, you should be treated. This includes spouses, sexual partners, or anyone with whom you have had prolonged skin-to-skin contact. However, you should also know that a quick hug or handshake is not likely to put you at risk of contracting scabies.
