What Causes Scabies & How It Is Treated: Early Symptoms, Types, & Care

Introduction 

Hello friends, I am Dr. Ruchir Shah, a skin specialist. Many people often ask, “What causes scabies and how is it treated?

Looking for safe and effective online treatment for scabies rashes from the comfort of your home? You’re in the right place

In this blog, we will discuss the causes, early symptoms, different types of scabies, and treatment options so you can recognize it early and manage it effectively.

What Causes Scabies?

Scabies, also known as khas in Hindi, is caused due to a mite called Sarcoptes scabiei. Scabies (khas) is a contagious disease. These mites burrow under the skin, triggering itching and rashes.

Scabies spreads through:

• Direct contact with an infected person
• Sharing clothes, towels, or bedsheet
• Living in crowded spaces like hostels or factories

The scabies mite can survive for 24–36 hours at room temperature and can spread infection through the skin. It is more common in crowded places such as hostels and among factory co-workers. Scabies can cause itching all over the body, which usually increases at night. The scabies mite burrows into the skin, creating tunnel-like structures that are serpentine in shape and about 5 mm long.

Scabies usually affects body areas with less hair, such as:

• Between the fingers (Web spaces)
• Wrists
• Elbows
• Navel
• Underarms
• Inner folds of the body

Scabies Symptoms in Humans

The most common scabies symptoms in humans include:

• Severe itching, worse at night
• Red bumps, rashes, or blisters
• Thin, burrow-like lines on the skin (about 5 mm long)
• Sores caused by scratching

Scabies Symptoms in Early Stages

Now let’s dive into scabies symptoms, the early warning signs, what to look out for, and how you can identify if it’s the beginning stage of scabies.

In the early stages of scabies, symptoms may appear mild and often go unnoticed:

• Itching between the fingers, wrists, or elbows
• Small bumps that resemble insect bites
• Irritation that becomes worse at night

If left untreated, these symptoms gradually spread across the body and can easily infect other family members.

Scabies - Different Types

Scabies can present in different forms depending on the severity of infection, the person’s immune response, and how early the condition is detected. Understanding the different types of scabies can help in recognizing symptoms and choosing the right scabies disease treatment.

1. Classic Scabies

• The most common form of scabies, seen in otherwise healthy individuals.
• Caused by the scabies mite burrowing under the skin, leading to itching, redness, and thin burrow-like lines.
• Usually affects areas with less hair such as the wrists, elbows, between fingers, underarms, waistline, and around the navel.
• If untreated, these symptoms can spread quickly and may be confused with other skin conditions.

2. Crusted Scabies (Norwegian Scabies)

• A severe and highly contagious form of scabies. Characterized by thick crusts of skin containing thousands of mites and eggs.
• Mostly seen in people with weak immune systems such as the elderly, HIV patients, or those on long-term medications that suppress immunity.
• Unlike classic scabies, this type may not always cause severe itching but poses a higher risk of spreading to others.

3. Nodular Scabies

• A less common type of scabies, often seen in children and infants.
• Appear as hard, itchy nodules (red-brown lumps), particularly around the genital area, underarms, and groin.
• These nodules may persist even after scabies treatment because of the body’s immune response to mite proteins.
• Requires special attention from a dermatologist, as itching can be intense and lead to secondary infections from scratching.

Each type of scabies requires a proper diagnosis and treatment plan. Early identification - especially of crusted or nodular scabies - is crucial to prevent spreading within families or communities.

To gain a better understanding, I have included a table below that highlights the different types of scabies, their symptoms, severity, and the individuals most at risk.

Comparison of Different Types of Scabies

Scabies Disease Treatment

In scabies treatment, a combination of topical scabicides, corticosteroids, oral antihistamines, and skin-friendly soaps is commonly recommended.

1. Common Scabicides Used:

• Permethrin 5% cream – Most preferred due to lower side effects and reduced resistance.
• Benzyl benzoate – Available in 12.5% and 25% formulations.
• Lindane 1% cream or lotion
• Crotamiton 10% cream
• Ivermectin 1% lotion

Note: Permethrin remains the most widely used because it is safer and more effective compared to others.

2. Dosage of Permethrin 5% Cream (Single Application):

• Adults: 30 gm tube
• Children (6–12 years): 15 gm (half tube)
• Children (1–5 years): 7.5 gm
• Infants (<1 year): 3.75 gm

If the cream is not applied in an adequate quantity, treatment failure may occur.

3. Relief from Itching:

• Oral antihistamines such as Levocetirizine and Desloratadine are used to reduce itching and improve comfort.

How to Apply Permethrin 5% Cream – Step by Step

1. Preparation

• Take a bath or wash your body with mild soap and lukewarm water.
• Dry the skin completely before application.

2. Application

• Apply the cream evenly over the entire body from the neck downwards.
• In infants and young children, also be applied on the scalp, face (avoiding eyes and mouth), ears, and neck, since scabies often affects these areas.
• Pay special attention to skin folds (between fingers, underarms, groin, buttocks, soles of feet).

3. Amount to Use

• Adults: full 30 gm tube (one-time use)
• Children (6–12 years): about 15 gm
• Children (1–5 years): about 7.5 gm
• Infants (<1 year): about 3.75 gm

4. Duration

• Leave the cream on the skin for 8–14 hours (overnight is preferred).
• After this period, wash it off with mild soap and water.

5. Clothing & Bedding

• Wear clean clothes after application.
• Wash all clothes, towels, and bed linens in hot water and dry in sunlight or a hot dryer to prevent re-infestation.

6. Reapplication

• In most cases, a single application is effective.
• If symptoms persist or new burrows appear, a second application after 7 days may be required.

7. Precautions

• Avoid contact with eyes, nose, and mouth.
• Do not use more than the recommended amount.
• Consult a doctor before use in pregnant or breastfeeding women.

Still Have Questions or Need Personalized Help?

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Things Patients Should Keep In Mind During Treatment

1. You must apply the medicine at night before sleeping.
2. Apply the medicine on clean and dry skin.
3. Apply it on the entire body below the neck. If the patient is less than 2 years old, then the medicine should also be applied on the scalp and face.
4. Do not wash your hands after applying the medicine.
5. After applying the medicine, make sure your hands do not touch other parts of the body such as eyes, nose, and mouth.
6. If any other family member is experiencing itching, they must also be treated.
7. The medicine should be applied only as directed by the doctor, and it should not be reused without the doctor’s advice.

Common Causes of Treatment Failure

Treatment may fail if:

• Cream is applied only on itchy spots, not the full body.
• Hands are washed after applying medicine.
• Not enough cream is used.
• Other infected family members are not treated.

When to See a Doctor

If you or your family members have itching that worsens at night, consult a dermatologist immediately. Early recognition of scabies symptoms and causes helps prevent complications. You can also book an online consultation at NeoDermatologist.com for expert guidance and treatment.

Resources and Videos

Want to learn step-by-step how scabies is treated? Watch our detailed scabies treatment video to know how to consult a Neodermatologist - Specialized Online Consultations.

If you are looking for a Free Online Dermatologist Consultation

Click on the link to book a free dermatologist online consultation for scabies with our dermatologists.

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• Online Hair Loss Treatment
• Acne Treatment Online
• General Skin Consultation
• Inner Part Itching Treatment

We also provide targeted care for conditions like Eczema, Scabies, Psoriasis, Urticaria (Hives), Vitiligo, and Ringworm Treatment. With our online consultation platform, you can connect with expert dermatologists right from home.

Conclusion

Scabies is a contagious skin condition caused due to mites and can spread quickly among family members. Knowing the early symptoms, understanding the different types of scabies, and following proper scabies treatment can ensure faster recovery. Do not delay consultation, as timely treatment is the key to relief.

Comments

Devansh Shah

This article gave a very clear explanation of scabies, especially the early symptoms and treatment options. Many people often confuse scabies with common skin rashes or allergies, so awareness like this is really helpful. I liked how you also highlighted the importance of timely consultation with a dermatologist because home remedies usually don’t work for scabies. Could you also share more tips on preventing scabies from spreading within families or in community settings? That would be very useful.

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