FAQs

• What are scabies?
• What do scabies look like?
• What do the bites look like?
• What are the symptoms?
• How are they spread?
• When should I see a doctor?
• How will the doctor diagnose me?
• How can I get rid of them?

What are scabies?

Scabies are a type of mite that are often confused with bed bugs.  They cause a similar rash but unlike bed bugs, burrow under the top layer of skin and lay eggs. Bed bugs on the other hand feed on the blood of humans and lay eggs elsewhere. Scabies mites can only live between two to three days away from a human host.

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What do scabies look like?

Scabies are a species of whitish-brown mite with eight legs, however, they are so small that many people can not to see them.

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What do the bites look like?

Female scabies mites burrow under the skin and lay eggs causing moderate to severe itching. The red marks and rash that arise from the infestation look similar to the bites from bed bugs. Scabies also make thin linear marks on the skin from the eggs they lay as they burrow. These may be red, brown or gray in color.  

There is a severe form of skin infestation known as crusted scabies. This can happen with the elderly, disabled or people with decreased immunity. In this case a person has many more scabies mites living in their skin than average.  If the infestation has progressed to this level, the infected person is now very contagious to others. Outwardly, the crusted scabies may begin as a red rash but progress to large patches. The feet, hands and scalp are most often affected the most severely but other parts of the body can be affected as well. The skin will begin to look crusty and crack. It is common for the skin to produce a bad odor.

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What are the symptoms?

1. Red bumps or a rash - usually between the fingers, around the wrists, around the elbows, nipples, feet or genitalia.   

2. Severe itching - the mites can cause severe discomfort and itchiness, especially at night.

3. Thin, dark marks on the skin - these are where the mites burrow and lay their eggs. 

Symptoms appear three to six weeks after the first infestation. However, if someone has had mites before, they may experience symptoms one to three days after infestation.

The openings can easily become infected, even more so if scratched extensively. This can cause more inflammation and may need medical attention.  If not attended to properly, you can develop crusted scabies, a severe form of the mite infestation. This can happen with the elderly, disabled or people with decreased immunity. In this case a person has many more scabies mites living in their skin than average.  If the infestation has progressed to this level, the infected person is now very contagious to others. Outwardly, the crusted scabies may begin as a red rash but progress to large patches. The feet, hands and scalp are most often affected the most severely but other parts of the body can be affected as well. The skin will begin to look crusty and crack. It is also common for the skin to produce a bad odor.

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How are they spread?

They are spread from skin-to-skin contact. Although it is possible, it is less likely that they are spread from contact with bedding, towels or clothing from someone who is infected. They are spread more often during the winter time due to people spending more time in close quarters and because the scabies mite can survive longer in colder temperatures.  They affect people of all races and social classes. Locations like nursing homes and prisons often have infestations because of the number of people living in one location.

There is a severe form of skin infestation known as crusted scabies. This often happens with the elderly, disabled or people with decreased immunity. In this case a person has many more scabies living in their skin and is actually very contagious to others.

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When should I see a doctor?

If you are unsure if your rash is due to scabies, or if you are experiencing itching or a rash, it is best to see a doctor as soon as possible. With a doctor you can discuss your treatment options and the best plan of action. Scabies are hard to get rid of, but it will be much easier to do so with the help of a medical professional. Our doctors can prescribe medicines that not only stop the itching but also kill the mites.

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How will the doctor diagnose me?

When you come into the office, one of our doctors will examine the rash and if necessary, take a skin sample to confirm that your rash is scabies. It is critical that you come as soon as you get a rash before you transmit the scabies mites to others. With the doctor you can receive a prescription for medications that stop the itching and kill the mites. 

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How can I get rid of them?

Once you have confirmed with your doctor that you have scabies, there are a variety of topical creams, antihistamines, and other pills as possible treatments. If the rash is also infected, the doctor can prescribe oral antibiotics.

It is critical to treat you and any other people that may live with you or that you are in close proximity to. By treating everyone, you can prevent reinfection or cross-contamination.

Fortunately, scabies mites can not survive away from the human body for more than 2 or 3 days. You should place all clothes, towels, bed sheets, and stuffed animals that you have come in recent contact with in a plastic bag for at least 3 days before machine washing and drying at the hottest temperature. This should eliminate the chances of reinfection.

It is usually not necessary to fumigate or call an exterminator.

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If you believe you may have scabies, contact our offices today to make an appointment with one of our doctors. Our office is conveniently located in Midtown Manhattan at 274 Madison Ave(between 39-40 streets) Suite #304, New York, NY 10016. To schedule an appointment call us at 212 696 5900