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Scabies treatment

Scabies is a highly contagious skin condition caused by the microscopic mite Sarcoptes scabiei. The mite burrows into the skin and causes intense itching and a rash. Topical medications kill the mites and alleviate symptoms. Other measures may need to be taken to prevent spreading, such as washing bedding, clothes and towels.

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Looking for information about treating scabies? We have you covered.

What is scabies?

Scabies is an infestation of tiny mites (Sarcoptes scabiei) that burrow and lay eggs inside skin. The resulting itch and pimple-like rash are a reaction to the infestation.*

The mites aren’t usually visible to the human eye. They move slowly and cannot jump or fly. They usually spread through prolonged, skin-to-skin contact, which gives them time to crawl from one person to another. The mites can occasionally spread through bedding, clothes or towels. They’re unlikely to spread through a quick handshake or hug.*

Prescription medication is required to kill scabies. The infection does not clear up on its own.*

What symptoms can occur with scabies?

Itching is one of the most common scabies symptoms. It can be intense and is often worse at night.

As the mite burrows into the skin, it forms tracks or lines.* This means a rash that resembles bites, burrows, pimples, red bumps or patches of scaly skin.

Scratching scabies rashes can open up wounds that become infected. Sometimes a secondary infection can form from the wounds.*

Getting help

A MinuteClinic provider can examine a person and assess their symptoms. They can discuss health history, help them understand scabies and, if necessary, prescribe medication.

  1. You may have to answer a few questions about symptoms to help us prepare for your visit prior to scheduling your appointment.

  2. Check-in varies depending on how you scheduled your appointment:

    If you made your appointment online:
    Check in using the email or text message we sent to confirm your appointment. If you prefer to check in using the electronic kiosk, make sure you have your confirmation code.

    If you made your appointment in the clinic:
    Sign in at the electronic kiosk.

    If you made a MinuteClinic Virtual Care® appointment:
    To join your virtual visit, use the link in the email or text message we sent you to confirm your appointment. Please join 15 minutes before your scheduled visit time. You will need your date of birth and ZIP code to join the visit.

  3. When it's time for your appointment, a provider will call your name.
  4. Your provider will conduct a thorough examination based on your reason for visit, presenting symptoms and health history. Charges will be based on examination and services provided during the visit.
  5. At the end of your visit, you are provided with a visit summary, receipt and educational material about your diagnosis. At your request, we can send your primary care provider information about your visit.

Frequently asked questions

Symptoms depend on whether a person has previously had an infestation. When a person is exposed to the mite for the first time, it may take up to six weeks before they experience symptoms. In repeat infestations, the body's immune system is quicker to react. In this case, symptoms may appear in as few as one to four days after exposure.*

While the mites can live anywhere on the body, the most common sites for adults and older children include the following:*

  • Around the waistline and navel
  • Between fingers
  • In skin folds around elbows, knees or wrists
  • On breasts, buttocks or genitals
  • On the face, head, neck, palms and soles of the feet 

Prescription medications called scabicides kills scabies mites.* This is applied at night (to ensure it’s on the skin for 8 to 14 hours) and washed off in the morning. Some people require repeated treatments to get rid of all the mites.

Scabies mites can live two or three days on the surfaces of items like bedding, clothes or towels. To prevent spreading, try the following:*

  • Wash or dry clean all bedding, clothes, linens, towels and similar items that the affected person used in the last three days. When cleaning, use hot, soapy water and run the dryer on high heat. Seal items that cannot be washed in a plastic bag for at least seven days to starve the mites.
  • Vacuum the entire home when treatment starts. Include carpets, rugs and upholstery. Throw away the vacuum bag and thoroughly clean the vacuum's canister.

A MinuteClinic provider can examine a person and assess their symptoms. They can discuss health history, help them understand scabies and, if necessary, prescribe medication.

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IMPORTANT! PLEASE READ: This material is for reference only and should not be used to determine treatment for specific medical conditions. Please visit a health care provider for evaluation, diagnosis and treatment of any symptoms you may be experiencing. If you're experiencing a medical emergency, please dial 911 or visit your local emergency department.

 

REFERENCES USED AS SOURCES FOR THIS PAGE:

  • *FOR REACTION TO THE INFESTATION SOURCE: Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. About scabies. Updated September 9, 2024.

  • *FOR HANDSHAKE OR HUG SOURCE: Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. How scabies spreads. Updated February 23, 2024.

  • *FOR DOES NOT CLEAR UP ON ITS OWN SOURCE: Cleveland Clinic. Scabies. Updated March 15, 2024.

  • *FOR TRACKS OR LINES SOURCE: WebMD. Scabies slideshow: Symptoms, cause and treatments. Updated November 22, 2022.

  • *FOR SECONDARY INFECTION SOURCE: Mayo Clinic. Scabies. Updated July 28, 2022.

  • *FOR ONE TO FOUR DAYS SOURCE: Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. Symptoms of scabies. Updated January 12, 2024.

  • *FOR MOST COMMON SITES SOURCE: Johnson S. Everything you need to know about scabies. Healthline. Updated May 21, 2024.

  • *FOR SCABICIDES SOURCE: Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. Treatment of scabies. Updated January 12, 2024.

  • *FOR PREVENT SPREADING SOURCE: Mayo Clinic. Scabies. Updated July 28, 2022.