Scabies is a very common, intensely itchy skin condition caused by tiny mites (Sarcoptes scabiei) that burrow into the skin. It is easily treated, but using the right treatment and treating close contacts at the same time are key to clearing it for good. This guide covers the symptoms, causes and treatment of scabies, and how our online prescribers can help.
Scabies symptoms
The main symptom of scabies is intense itching that is usually worse at night. You may also notice:
- A scabies rash of small red spots or bumps, often in a line
- Thin, silvery burrow tracks, commonly between the fingers, on the wrists, or in skin folds
- Itching that spreads across the body, even where there is no visible rash
- In babies, older people and crusted scabies, the face and scalp can be affected
What does scabies look like?
Scabies often appears first between the fingers and on the wrists, then spreads. The rash can look like eczema or insect bites, which is why it is sometimes missed. Tiny burrow lines are the most distinctive sign. If you are not sure whether you have scabies, our prescribers can review your symptoms online.
What causes scabies and how is it spread?
Scabies is caused by the human scabies mite. It spreads through prolonged skin-to-skin contact, and sometimes through shared bedding, towels or clothing. It is common within households, couples and close communities, and has nothing to do with poor hygiene — anyone can catch it.
Scabies treatment
Most cases of scabies are treated with a topical cream:
- First-line: permethrin 5% cream, applied over the whole body and washed off after the recommended time, usually repeated after 7 days.
- If unsuitable: malathion lotion may be used as an alternative.
- Second-line: oral ivermectin tablets may be prescribed when a cream cannot be used or has not worked, or for crusted (Norwegian) scabies and larger outbreaks.
Our UK prescribers can assess your case and recommend the most appropriate option. Where clinically suitable, we can prescribe ivermectin 3mg tablets for scabies with discreet UK delivery.
How to get rid of scabies at home
Alongside medical treatment, treat the whole household and any close contacts at the same time, even if they have no symptoms. Wash bedding, towels and clothing at 60°C and dry on a hot setting. Items that cannot be washed can be sealed in a plastic bag for 72 hours.
How long does scabies take to clear?
The mites are usually killed quickly, but the itch can continue for 2–4 weeks while the skin heals — this does not mean treatment has failed. If itching or rash is no better after 4 weeks, or is getting worse, speak to a prescriber or your GP.
How to prevent scabies
Avoid prolonged skin-to-skin contact with anyone who has untreated scabies, treat all close contacts together, and wash shared bedding and clothing thoroughly during and after treatment.
Speak to a prescriber
If you think you have scabies, our UK-registered prescribers can review your symptoms online and recommend or prescribe treatment where appropriate. Start a free online consultation today.
Frequently Asked Questions
Scabies usually appears as small red spots or bumps and an itchy rash, often with thin silvery burrow lines between the fingers, on the wrists or in skin folds. It can look like eczema or insect bites, so it’s easily mistaken for other conditions.
Scabies is cleared with a topical treatment such as permethrin 5% cream applied over the whole body, or oral ivermectin tablets if a cream is unsuitable or hasn’t worked. Treat all close contacts at the same time and wash bedding, towels and clothing at 60°C.
The main sign is intense itching that’s worse at night, with a spotty rash and tiny burrow tracks, often starting between the fingers. If you’re unsure, our prescribers can review your symptoms online.
Scabies is caused by the human scabies mite (Sarcoptes scabiei) burrowing into the skin. It spreads through prolonged skin-to-skin contact and isn’t related to poor hygiene — anyone can catch it.
The mites are killed quickly, but the itch and rash can take 2–4 weeks to settle as the skin heals — this doesn’t mean treatment has failed. If symptoms aren’t improving after 4 weeks, speak to a prescriber or your GP.
Through prolonged skin-to-skin contact and sometimes shared bedding, towels or clothing. It’s common within households and close communities.
The itching and rash gradually settle over a few weeks and no new burrows appear. If it’s no better after 2–4 weeks, or gets worse, check with a prescriber or GP.
It’s uncommon in adults but can affect babies, older people and those with crusted scabies. Tell our prescriber if your face or scalp is affected.