First Aid Bites & Stings How to Identify & Treat Scabies Bites By Molly Burford Updated on October 24, 2023 Medically reviewed by Renee Nilan, MD Print Table of Contents View All Table of Contents What Do Scabies Bites Look Like? How to Identify Scabies Bites Other Symptoms of Scabies Scabies Treatment Frequently Asked Questions Scabies is a parasitic skin infection caused by mites, specifically Sarcoptes scabiei var hominis. The mites burrow beneath the skin, triggering intense, unyielding itching and sometimes a rash. Worldwide, 200 million people are estimated to be experiencing scabies at any given moment. When it comes to scabies, diagnosis and appropriate treatment are imperative to help resolve and prevent the condition from spreading to others. Learn more about scabies bites, how to confirm infection, treatment, and when to see your healthcare provider. Diy13 / Getty Images What Do Scabies Bites Look Like? Scabies bites (burrows) are often undetectable because of scratching, crusting, or a secondary infection. However, there are still several signs that a rash or itching results from scabies. Scabies bites may appear as bumpy skin or small pimples, which can be red or purple. Sometimes pus may be present. How to Identify Scabies Bites Because scabies bites can often not be seen, there are still several ways to identify them. This includes assessing the pattern, location, and timing of symptoms. Pattern If bites (burrows) are possible to see, they will appear as gray or white-colored lines on the skin's surface. Location Scabies can cause severe itching through the entire body, but common sites include: In between fingersWristElbowArmpitPenisNippleWaistButtocksShoulder blades Timing Itching due to scabies is usually most bothersome at nighttime, one of the most common and early signs of infestation. Other Symptoms of Scabies Additional symptoms of scabies include: "Scabies rash" (a pimple-like and itchy rash)Burrows (grayish-white or skin-colored lines on the skin's surface) Scabies Treatment Scabies requires proper treatment to eradicate the mites. Extra hygiene will not work because the mites live deep within the skin layers, which cannot be washed off. Scabies is treated through prescription medications such as: Nix, Elimite (permethrin)Eurax (crotamiton)Sulfur ointmentLindane lotionStromectol (ivermectin) Your healthcare provider may also recommend anti-itch cream or pain medication to help alleviate discomfort from symptoms. Who should get treated for scabies? It's recommended that the person diagnosed with scabies, as well as everyone who has had prolonged direct skin-to-skin contact with that person get treated. This includes household members and recent sexual partners.This is because it can take four to eight weeks for symptoms to develop after becoming infested. During this time, a person may unknowingly spread the mites to others. Therefore, to help prevent future outbreaks, it's best for everyone to get treated at the same time. Summary Scabies is a parasite infestation primarily spread through skin-to-skin contact or exposure to contaminated items such as clothing or bedding. It requires quick diagnosis and treatment to prevent spreading it to others. Bites are often undetectable, but scabies will usually be suspected if there is intense itching that worsens at night, along with a rash. A Word From Verywell If you are experiencing symptoms of scabies, contact your healthcare provider right away for proper diagnosis and treatment. There's nothing to be ashamed about in contracting the parasitic infection. However, swift diagnosis and treatment is important to resolving the infestation on an individual level and preventing the spread of mites to others. Frequently Asked Questions What can be mistaken for scabies? Several skin conditions can be mistaken for scabies, like dermatitis, psoriasis, hot tub folliculitis, and pityriasis rosea. What helps differentiate a scabies infestation from other skin conditions are lines (burrows from the mites) that sometimes accompany a scabies rash. What kills scabies instantly? Nothing kills scabies instantly. A course of treatment (medication) must be completed before a mite is considered deceased. How is scabies spread? Scabies is most often spread through skin-to-skin contact, usually sexually. Scabies can also be spread through clothing or bedding, though the parasite can only live independent of a human host for a few days. 7 Sources Verywell Health uses only high-quality sources, including peer-reviewed studies, to support the facts within our articles. Read our editorial process to learn more about how we fact-check and keep our content accurate, reliable, and trustworthy. World Health Organization. Scabies. Chandler DJ, Fuller LC. A review of scabies: an infestation more than skin deep. DRM. 2019;235(2):79-90. doi:10.1159/000495290 Centers for Disease Control and Infection. Parasites - scabies. McCarthy JS, Kemp DJ, Walton SF, Currie BJ. Scabies: more than just an irritation. Postgrad Med J. 2004;80(945):382-387. doi:10.1136/pgmj.2003.014563 Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. Scabies. Medications. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. Scabies: treatment. Micali G, Lacarrubba F, Verzì AE, Chosidow O, Schwartz RA. Scabies: advances in noninvasive diagnosis. PLoS Negl Trop Dis. 2016;10(6):e0004691. doi:10.1371/journal.pntd.0004691 By Molly Burford Molly Burford is a mental health advocate and wellness book author with almost 10 years of experience in digital media. See Our Editorial Process Meet Our Medical Expert Board Share Feedback Was this page helpful? Thanks for your feedback! What is your feedback? Other Helpful Report an Error Submit