Scabies

If you suspect you have scabies, you can get a medical evaluation and help getting started with the right treatment. The initial evaluation can take place online or during an in-person consultation. Based on your symptoms and medical history, the doctor will assess whether there are signs of scabies and which treatment may be appropriate.

You will receive the results of the evaluation, a recommendation for next steps, and a prescription if the doctor determines that prescription treatment is appropriate.

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What symptoms can a scabies test help diagnose?

An evaluation for scabies by our dermatologist is recommended in cases of severe itching and a rash, which may be caused by scabies mites—tiny mites that live in the top layer of the skin and burrow tunnels. Below are some of the most common symptoms that lead patients to schedule a preliminary examination at Capio.

If you're unsure whether your symptoms fit the description, you're always welcome to contact us.

Severe itching—worst in the evening and at night

Intense itching that gets worse when you go to bed and disrupts your sleep is one of the most common signs of scabies. The doctor will ask how long the itching has been going on and where on the body it is located.

Small red bumps, blisters, and scratch marks

A rash with small red bumps or blisters and distinct scratch marks from scratching. The doctor will determine whether the skin changes are consistent with scabies or whether another skin condition is present.

Rash between the fingers and around the wrists

In adults, scabies is often seen between the fingers and around the wrists, but it can also occur in other areas of the body. A definitive diagnosis may require the detection of scabies mites or eggs through dermatoscopy or microscopy.

Symptoms after close contact with someone who has scabies

The infection is primarily transmitted through prolonged, close skin-to-skin contact. If you have been in close contact with someone who has been diagnosed with scabies, you should get checked—even if your symptoms are still mild.

Several members of the household with itching and a rash

Scabies often affects multiple people in the same household. Close contacts should generally be treated at the same time to prevent reinfection—your doctor will discuss this with you as part of your treatment plan.

Persistent itching following previous treatment

The itching may persist for several weeks, even after successful treatment. If symptoms persist, a re-evaluation is necessary, as this may be due to a skin reaction, inadequate treatment, reinfection, or another condition.

Rashes that can be mistaken for eczema or an allergy

Scabies resembles several other skin conditions, which is why a comprehensive evaluation of symptoms and skin changes is important. The dermatologist will determine the underlying cause and recommend the appropriate treatment.

Uncertainty about the cause of your skin symptoms

If you're unsure whether your symptoms are caused by scabies, an initial assessment online or at the clinic can provide you with a diagnosis, a treatment plan, and a prescription if needed.

What is scabies?

Scabies is a contagious skin disease caused by scabies mites. The mites live in the top layer of the skin, where they burrow small tunnels.

The most characteristic symptom is severe itching, which is often worst in the evening and at night. Small red bumps, blisters, or scratch marks may also appear. In adults, these changes are often seen between the fingers, around the wrists, and elsewhere on the body.

Scabies is transmitted primarily through prolonged, close skin-to-skin contact. For this reason, multiple cases are often seen within the same household or among people who have close physical contact.

When might an evaluation for scabies be appropriate?

A preliminary study may be appropriate if, for example:

has developed new and severe itching, especially at night
has bumps or a rash that could be caused by scabies
have been in close contact with a person who has been diagnosed with scabies
has been treated previously but continues to have symptoms
are unsure whether your symptoms are caused by scabies or another skin condition

Scabies can resemble several other skin conditions. Therefore, it is important to evaluate the symptoms and skin changes as a whole.

Here's how the process works

Before

The preliminary examination can be conducted online or in person.

Among other things, the doctor will ask about your symptoms, how long they have lasted, where on your body you are experiencing itching or a rash, and whether others around you have similar symptoms. Previous treatment for scabies and relevant information about medical conditions and medications may also be part of the evaluation.

If scabies is suspected, information about close contacts may be important, because several people often need to be treated at the same time to prevent further spread of the infection.

Under

The doctor will assess whether your symptoms and skin changes are consistent with scabies.

In some cases, the patient’s medical history and a characteristic rash may raise strong suspicion of scabies. However, a definitive diagnosis may require the detection of a scabies mite or eggs during a physical examination, such as through dermatoscopy or microscopy.

If an online evaluation does not provide a sufficient basis for reaching a conclusion, the doctor may therefore recommend an in-person consultation.

If there is a basis for treatment, the doctor will go over the recommended treatment with you. For prescription-only treatment, a prescription will be issued as part of the process when the doctor determines that the treatment in question is appropriate.

The choice of treatment depends, among other things, on your symptoms, previous treatment, and individual circumstances.

After

After the consultation, you will receive a conclusion and specific recommendations on how to proceed.

If scabies is diagnosed, it is important that treatment be carried out correctly. Close contacts, including people in the same household, should generally be treated at the same time to reduce the risk of reinfection.

You will also receive guidance on relevant precautions to take at home. This may include, among other things, washing clothes, towels, and bedding, as well as handling fabrics that cannot be washed at high temperatures.

Itching may persist for several weeks after successful treatment. If symptoms persist or worsen, a re-evaluation may be necessary, as continued itching may be due to, among other things, a post-treatment skin reaction, inadequate treatment, reinfection, or another skin condition.

Treatment of Scabies

Scabies can be treated with medications applied to the skin or, in some cases, with oral medication. The most appropriate treatment is determined on a case-by-case basis.

For the treatment to be successful, it is important to follow the instructions carefully and coordinate the treatment with any close contacts. Otherwise, there is a risk that the infection will continue or recur.

At Capio, you’ll receive a medical evaluation of your situation as well as a recommendation for the next steps, so that treatment can be tailored to your symptoms and the specific suspicion of scabies.

Frequently Asked Questions About Scabies and Treatment

How do I know if I have scabies?

Scabies typically causes severe itching, which is often worst in the evening and at night. You may also develop small red bumps, blisters, or scratch marks. In adults, these skin changes are often seen between the fingers, around the wrists, and in other areas of the body. Since the symptoms can resemble those of several other skin conditions, a medical evaluation may be necessary to determine the cause.

Can a scabies screening at Capio be done online?

Yes, the initial assessment can be conducted online or during an in-person consultation. Among other things, the doctor will ask about your symptoms, how long they’ve lasted, previous treatment, and any possible contact with others who have scabies. If an online assessment does not provide a sufficient basis for a conclusion, the doctor may recommend an in-person examination.

How is scabies spread, and is it caused by poor hygiene?

Scabies is primarily spread through prolonged, close skin-to-skin contact. For this reason, it is often seen among people living in the same household, romantic partners, and others who have close physical contact. Scabies is not caused by poor personal hygiene, and anyone can become infected.

How is scabies treated?

Scabies can be treated with medications applied to the skin or, in some cases, with pills. The doctor will determine which treatment is most appropriate based on your symptoms, previous treatment, and individual circumstances. If prescription treatment is deemed appropriate, the doctor may write a prescription as part of your care plan.

Should the rest of the household also be treated for scabies?

If scabies is diagnosed, people in the same household and other close contacts should generally be treated at the same time. This also applies to people who have not yet developed symptoms. Simultaneous treatment is important to reduce the risk of continued transmission and reinfection.

Clothing, towels, and bedding should be handled at the same time as the treatment. You will receive instructions on how to wash them and how to care for items that cannot be washed at high temperatures.

Why does my skin still itch after treatment for scabies?

The itching may continue for several weeks, even if the treatment has been effective. This is because the skin may continue to react to the mites and their waste products. If the itching does not subside, worsens, or new skin changes appear, a new medical evaluation may be necessary. Persistent symptoms may be caused by, among other things, a post-treatment skin reaction, inadequate treatment, reinfection, or another skin condition.