What is Scabies, Its Symptoms, and How Is It Treated?

Scabies is a contagious skin disease caused by a microscopic mite species called Sarcoptes scabiei var. hominis, which lives as a parasite on human skin. Characterized by intense itching and skin rash, this infection affects millions of people worldwide. Severe scratching can lead to skin irritation, secondary infections, and sleep disturbances. The disease spreads rapidly especially in crowded living conditions, where hygiene is insufficient, and close contact within households is frequent.

Scabies is a contagious infestation caused by mites and their eggs settling on and under the skin surface. These microscopic parasites are generally more active at night. They cause redness, blisters, and itching, especially between the fingers, on the wrists, under the armpits, around the waist, on the buttocks, and in the genital area.

Symptoms typically appear 2 to 6 weeks after the mites infest the body. However, in individuals who have had scabies before, symptoms may begin within a few days. The most common symptoms of scabies include:

• Intense itching: Especially worse at night. Severe scratching can cause skin scratches and irritation.
• Skin rashes: Can appear as small red spots or blisters.
• Linear tunnels: These tunnel signs are small burrows created by mites under the skin and are an important diagnostic finding.
• Skin scaling and crusting: Particularly seen in crusted scabies cases.
• Scabies symptoms in the genital area: Redness, irritation, and itching may occur around the penis in men and in the vaginal area in women.

These symptoms are known as scabies symptoms and, if left untreated, can spread further.

The answer to the question "Is scabies contagious?" is definitely yes. It easily spreads from infected individuals to others through close direct contact. The following transmission methods are commonly observed:

• Skin contact: The most common transmission route is living in the same household or prolonged physical contact.
• Shared personal items: Sharing textiles such as bed sheets, towels, and clothing increases the risk of transmission.
• Sexual contact: Scabies cases in the genital area often occur through sexual transmission.

It is especially important that family members and people living together receive treatment simultaneously.

Scabies can affect anyone regardless of age, gender, or socioeconomic status. However, it is more commonly seen in the following groups:

• People living in crowded environments (dormitories, nursing homes, military barracks)
• Children and the elderly
• Individuals with weakened immune systems
• People who have frequent contact with the genital area

Crusted scabies, a type of scabies, causes a more aggressive and contagious condition especially in individuals with weakened immune systems.

Scabies is usually diagnosed through a physical examination. Dermatologists identify typical rashes, burrow tracks made by the mite, and the distribution of symptoms. In some cases, to confirm the diagnosis:

• Skin scrapings are taken and examined under a microscope to detect scabies mites or their eggs.
• Comparison of symptoms with illustrated dermatological atlases.
• In rare cases, a biopsy may be performed.

Treatment involves using medical medications aimed at eliminating the mites and their eggs. The most effective treatment methods for scabies include:

1. Topical Treatment (Creams and Lotions)

   Permethrin cream: The most commonly used scabies cream. It is usually applied to the body at night and washed off after 8-14 hours.

   Alternatives like benzyl benzoate and crotamiton can also be used.

2. Oral Medication

• Oral drugs such as ivermectin are preferred, especially in widespread or crusted cases. Repeat doses may sometimes be necessary.

3. Supportive Treatment

• Antihistamines to reduce itching

• Antibiotics for secondary skin infections

• Corticosteroid creams to reduce irritation

The most effective scabies medication is determined based on the extent of the infestation and the patient’s overall health condition.

All clothing, bedding, and towels that the person has come into contact with should be washed at a minimum of 60°C. Ironing should be done with warm water.
Treatment should be applied simultaneously to everyone in close contact with the infected person.
Items should be sealed in a closed bag for 72 hours to ensure the mites die.
Itching may continue for 2-4 weeks after treatment; this does not mean the scabies infection has not been cured.

As a skin disease, scabies can become not only a physical problem but also a psychological disorder. Especially:

• Sleep disorders
• Social isolation
• Feelings of shame
• Anxiety

Therefore, psychological support may be necessary in addition to physical treatment.

No. If left untreated, it becomes chronic and spreads. It must be treated; otherwise, it can cause skin irritation, secondary infections, and permanent skin damage.

Scabies is a highly contagious infestation that spreads easily through contact. Especially in crowded living environments (dormitories, military units, nursing homes, hospitals, daycares, prisons), scabies cases can turn into outbreaks. Therefore, it is very important to fully implement the following measures to protect individuals and the community:

1. Avoid Sharing Personal Items
   Personal items such as combs, towels, underwear, clothes, sheets, and blankets should never be shared with others. Although scabies mites can live briefly on these surfaces, it is enough for the transmission of active parasites.
   Especially those living in the same house with scabies patients should completely separate their personal belongings. Each person should have their own hygiene products.

2. Pay Attention to the Hygiene of Contact Surfaces and Items
   Items that come into contact with the skin such as bed sheets, pillowcases, blankets, and couch covers should be washed at 60°C. Additionally, mites should be killed by steaming with a hot iron.
   Items that cannot be dry cleaned should be kept in sealed plastic bags for 72 hours and not used during this period.
   Toys, upholstery, and carpets should be cleaned with a vacuum cleaner. Afterwards, they should be wiped with alcohol-based or antiseptic solutions.

3. Avoid Close Contact and Screen Contacts
   Close contacts of the person, especially those living in the same house and sexual partners, should receive prophylactic treatment even if they do not show symptoms.
   Everyone who has been in the same environment with a diagnosed scabies patient should be examined by a dermatology specialist even if they do not show symptoms.
   Especially in highly contagious forms like crusted scabies, not only contact but also breathing the same air increases the risk of transmission. In such cases, all contacts should be treated collectively.

4. Periodic Disinfection in Collective Living Spaces
   In places such as daycares, school dormitories, and hospitals, frequently touched surfaces exist. These include tables, chairs, door handles, toilet seats, and bed heads. These surfaces should be disinfected daily.
   Ventilation in institutions should be improved, air circulation ensured, and humidity controlled because mites survive longer in warm and humid environments.
   Hygiene education should be regularly provided to staff, especially in daycares and elderly care homes.

5. Hygiene Process After Treatment (Prevention of Reinfestation)
   The treated person should change all their clothes and underwear within the first 3 days after treatment. Additionally, bed linens should be changed and clean items used.
   Since the risk of reinfestation continues as long as skin contact persists, hygiene rules should be strictly followed throughout the treatment process.
   All family members of a person treated for scabies should be treated simultaneously to prevent re-transmission.

6. Sexual Contact and Hygiene Rules
   Scabies is among parasitic diseases transmitted through sexual contact. Therefore, individuals with active scabies cases should avoid sexual intercourse until the treatment process is complete.
   If scabies symptoms appear in the genital area, it is important to see a dermatology specialist. Not only itching but also rash and irritation should be checked.

7. Awareness and Education Are Important
   It should be explained that scabies is not directly related to poor personal hygiene and can occur even in hygienic individuals in risky environments.
   Stigmatization may cause people to avoid seeking treatment due to shame. Therefore, accurate information should be widely spread in society, explaining that scabies is a skin infection.

Scabies is a serious skin disease that can be controlled with early diagnosis and appropriate treatment. It is not a type of phobia. However, it can cause serious complications.

How does the scabies mite die? The answer lies in effective medications and hygiene measures.

This article will provide information about scabies disease. It will cover the following topics:

What is scabies?
What causes scabies?
How is it transmitted?
How does scabies develop?
What is scabies pill?
What is scabies medicine?
What does scabies look like?
Is there scabies in the genital area?
What is crusted scabies?
Is scabies contagious?

This information will help you cope with the disease.
With early diagnosis, correct treatment, and personal precautions, it is possible to get rid of scabies. When symptoms are noticed, a dermatology specialist should be consulted without delay.