Scabies

What Are Scabies?

They are an itchy rash caused by a little mite that burrows in the skin surface. The human scabies mite’s scientific name is Sarcoptes scabiei var. hominis.

How Do You Get Scabies?

They are nearly always acquired by skin-to-skin contact with someone else with scabies. The contact may be quite brief such as holding hands. Frequently it is acquired from children, and sometimes it is sexually transmitted. Occasionally it is acquired via bedding or furnishings, as the mite can survive for a few days off its human host.

It’s not due to poor hygiene. Nor is it due to animal mites, which do not infest humans. However, animal mites can be responsible for bites on exposed sites, usually the forearms.

Typically, an affected host is infested by about 10-12 adult mites. After mating, the male dies. The female mites burrow into the outside layers of the skin where she lays up to 3 eggs each day for her lifetime of one to two months. The development from egg to adult scabies mite requires 10 to 14 days.

What Are The Symptoms and Signs of Scabies?

  • Itch – The itching appears a few days after infestation
  • Burrows – Burrows appear as tiny grey irregular tracks
  • Generalized rash – A rash appears as tiny red intensely itchy bumps on the limbs and trunk
  • Nodules – Itchy lumps or nodules in the armpits and groins or along the shaft of the penis are very suggestive of them
  • Acropustulosis – Blisters and pustules on the palms and soles are characteristic in infants.
  • Secondary infection – Impetigo commonly complicates scabies and results in crusting patches and scratched pustules. They only rarely affect the face and scalp, and this most often occurs in young babies and bed-bound elderly patients.

Schedule an appointment with one of our medical providers to see which treatment is best for you.

In your own words

Patient Testimonials

Anderson Ln.

“Great office location, very professional, provided excellent care. I just wanted to re-establish myself with a new dermatologist since I moved from another state…”

- A.R.
34th & West

“This was my first visit to Central Austin Dermatology. I was very pleased. The staff was very friendly and welcoming, and the office was very clean and organized. Dr. Hendrix was very thorough, and listened to me when I was describing my concerns. I’ll go back!”

- G.G.
Bryker Woods

Dr. Cadmus was awesome, she came and quickly diagnosed my condition, she was thorough, she took her time to explain in laymen’s terms so I could understand. The staff was curteous and kind and quite helpful. It was a wonderful visit!!!

- D.B.
Bryker Woods

“Lidija has been very professional and would communicate and explain to me what she was going to do. I felt so relaxed and really enjoyed my skin treatment with her.”

- F.C.
34th & West

I’ve been seeing Dr. Hendrix for some time now and find him engaging, prompt, and highly knowledgeable about skin conditions. As someone who has a history of skin cancer, i feel fully confident in his expertise.

- S.R.
34th & West

I’ve been seeing Shirien Coover PA for several years. She puts me at ease, protecting my dignity and privacy during skin checks, and she is very soothing and as gentle as possible if/when she finds anything that requires removal. She also patiently answers my questions and genuinely wants me to understand the medical terminology. I also find their rates to be affordable and reasonable, which is rare and refreshing where health care costs are concerned.

- J.L.