Scabies - meaning and definition
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Not yet reviewed by a clinician. This health entry was written from the public-health sources listed below and is general information only. It is not medical advice.
Definition
Scabies is an itchy skin condition caused by tiny mites that burrow into the skin, spread by prolonged skin-to-skin contact, including during sex.
At a glance
- Scabies is caused by tiny mites that burrow into the skin.
- It spreads through prolonged skin-to-skin contact, including during sex.
- Intense itching, often worse at night, is the main symptom.
- It is treated with a cream or lotion applied to the whole body, sometimes with tablets.
- Everyone in close contact is usually treated at the same time.
In detail
Scabies is not only an STI: it spreads in households, care homes and anywhere people have long, close contact. Intense itching, often worse at night, and a rash are the main symptoms.
It is treated with a cream or lotion applied to the whole body, sometimes with tablets, and everyone in close contact is usually treated at the same time. Bedding and clothing should be washed.
In a sentence
- The care home treated all residents for scabies at once.
- The doctor explained that scabies is not only an STI and can spread in any household.
Where the word comes from
The word comes from the Latin "scabere", meaning "to scratch".
Not to be confused with
- Pubic lice
Pubic lice live on hair rather than burrowing into the skin.
Common questions
Is scabies an STI?
Not only. Scabies can spread during sex, but it also spreads in households, care homes and anywhere people have long, close contact.
How is scabies treated?
It is treated with a cream or lotion applied to the whole body, sometimes with tablets. Close contacts are usually treated at the same time, and bedding and clothing should be washed. A pharmacist or doctor can advise.