Scabies is a highly contagious infestation by the human itch mite. This microscopic mite burrows into your skin and causes an extremely itchy rash. The rash typically appears as small pink red bumps in between the fingers, on the wrists, and around the belly button.

Symptoms

Extremely itchy pink red bumps
Often occurs around the belly button, between fingers, and around the wrist
Itch may last longer than the rash

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Treatment

If you think you have scabies, see a dermatologist. It is treated with a topical anti-parasite medication called permethrin or an oral anti-parasite medication called ivermectin. These kill the mites and their eggs.

Your doctor may prescribe topical steroids to help with itching. The itch can last for several weeks after the mite has been treated (called post-scabetic dermatitis).

Because scabies is so contagious, wash all of your clothing and linens in hot water. Anyone you live with also needs treatment, as people can be carriers of scabies without having symptoms.

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The stories shared below are not written by Buoy employees. Buoy does not endorse any of the information in these stories. Whenever you have questions or concerns about a medical condition, you should always contact your doctor or a healthcare provider.

Jeffrey M. Rothschild, MD, MPH.

Associate Professor of Medicine, Brigham and Women’s Hospital

Dr. Rothschild has been a faculty member at Brigham and Women’s Hospital where he is an Associate Professor of Medicine at Harvard Medical School. He currently practices as a hospitalist at Newton Wellesley Hospital. In 1978, Dr. Rothschild received his MD at the Medical College of Wisconsin and trained in internal medicine followed by a fellowship in critical care medicine. He also received an MP...

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