Scabies: Symptoms, Treatment and Why the Whole Family Needs It
Scabies causes intense night time itching and spreads through close contact. Everyone in the household must be treated together, along with clothes and bedding.
Condition guide
Scabies
Also known as Khujli, Itch mite infestation, Sarcoptes scabiei.
In short
Scabies is a very itchy skin condition caused by tiny mites that burrow into the skin. It spreads through close skin contact, so it often affects several people in the same family or hostel. The itch is typically worse at night, and treatment needs the whole household to be treated at the same time, along with washing of clothes and bedding.
Typical signs
- Intense itching, worse at night
- Small bumps or tiny lines between the fingers, on the wrists, waist or genitals
- Rash in the armpits, around the navel or on the buttocks
- Other family members who are also itching
When to see a dermatologist
- You or your family have an itchy rash that is worse at night
- A baby, an elderly person or someone with low immunity is affected
- Itching continues more than 4 weeks after treatment
- The skin has crusts, pus or thick scaling
Signs vary from person to person and several skin conditions look alike. Only an examination can confirm a diagnosis.
Read the guides
Full, referenced articles on scabies written for Indian skin, with answers to common questions.
Worried about scabies?
Book an online consultation with Dr. Maria Ansari for an assessment and a written care plan made for you.
This page is a short summary for general education and does not replace a consultation with a qualified dermatologist. Do not start, stop or change any medicine based on this page. Read the full medical disclaimer.