### What is Scabies? Scabies is a skin condition caused by tiny mites called human itch mites. These mites burrow into the upper layer of your skin to lay eggs. Once the eggs hatch, the mites move to the surface of your skin and can spread to other parts of your body or to other people. ### Symptoms The first signs of scabies are intense itching, especially at night, and a pimple-like rash. These symptoms can appear all over your body or be limited to specific areas like your wrists, elbows, genitals, buttocks, or the webbing between your fingers. Children may experience itching or rash on their head, face, neck, palms, and soles of their feet. You might also notice tiny, raised, grayish-white, or flesh-colored lines on your skin, which are the burrows made by the mites. ### Crusted Scabies A severe form of scabies, known as crusted scabies or Norwegian crusted scabies, can occur in people with weakened immune systems. This form is characterized by thick crusts of skin that contain large numbers of mites and eggs. People with crusted scabies may not experience the intense itching or rash typical of regular scabies. ### Contagion Scabies is highly contagious and spreads through direct, prolonged, close physical contact. Common places for outbreaks include nursing homes, extended care facilities, prisons, and childcare centers. Healthy adults often contract scabies through sexual contact with an infected person. It’s important to note that you cannot get scabies from pets. ### Diagnosis Your doctor can diagnose scabies by examining the rash or burrows on your skin. They may also try to remove a mite from its burrow by scraping your skin or using a thin needle. ### Treatment Scabies is treated with prescription creams and lotions that kill the mites. It's important to follow your doctor's instructions carefully and treat all close contacts simultaneously to prevent re-infestation. Bedding, clothing, and towels used by an infected person should be washed in hot water and dried on a hot cycle to kill any remaining mites.