Scabies is an infestation of the skin by the human itch mite. The microscopic scabies mite burrows into the upper layer of the skin, where it lives and lays its eggs.

Scabies are usually spread by direct, prolonged, skin-to-skin contact with someone with scabies. Contact generally must be extended; a quick handshake or hug usually will not spread scabies. Scabies is distributed easily to partners and household members.

Scabies is also spread indirectly by sharing articles such as clothing, towels, or bedding used by an infected person.

Scabies can be found worldwide and affect people of all races and social classes. Having scabies does not indicate someone's cleanliness.

The most common signs and symptoms of scabies are intense itching (especially at night) and a pimple-like, itchy rash. The itching and rash may affect much of the body or be limited to common sites such as:

• Wrists
• Elbows
• Armpits
• Webbing Between The Fingers
• Nipples
• Genitalia
• Waist / Belt-line
• Buttock

The rash also can include tiny blisters and scales. Scratching the rash can cause skin sores; sometimes, these sores become infected by bacteria.

Tiny burrows are sometimes seen on the skin; female scabies mite tunneling causes these just beneath the skin's surface. These burrows appear as little raised and crooked grayish-white or skin-colored lines on the skin surface. They are often found in the webbing between the fingers; skin folds on the wrist, elbow, or knee, and genitalia or shoulder blades.

The head, face, neck, palms, and soles are often involved in infants and young children, but usually not adults and older children.

Persons with crusted scabies may not show the usual signs and symptoms of scabies, such as the characteristic rash or itching.

Crusted scabies is a severe form of scabies that can occur in some people who are immunocompromised (have a weak immune system), elderly, disabled, or debilitated. It is also called Norwegian scabies.

Individuals with crusted scabies have thick skin crusts containing large numbers of scabies mites and eggs. This person is very contagious to other people and can spread the infestation quickly through direct skin-to-skin contact and by contaminating items such as their clothing, bedding, and furniture.

Someone with crusted scabies may not show the usual signs and symptoms of scabies, such as the characteristic rash or itching. Once the infestation is discovered, they should receive quick and aggressive medical treatment for their infestation to prevent outbreaks of scabies.

It can take 4 to 8 weeks for symptoms of scabies to develop in someone who has never had it before. However, it's crucial to remember that an infected person can still spread scabies during this incubation period, even if they are not showing any symptoms yet.

On the other hand, individuals who previously had scabies tend to experience symptoms much sooner, typically within 1 to 4 days after exposure.

Yes! Many products on the market claim to kill scabies and remove them from the body.

However, not all of these products have been substantiated, so it is crucial to do research before selecting a product for yourself and your loved ones.

Naturasil Scabies Treatment Packs offer a natural alternative to treating scabies without resorting to harmful chemicals. Our system is designed to help eliminate infestations at different stages and alleviate the pain caused by scabies mites during an infestation.

Products prescribed by a doctor to treat scabies are called scabicides because they kill scabies mites; some also kill eggs. Frequently, these scabicides are full of harmful and dangerous chemicals. Use caution when using these methods, and follow directions precisely. Improper use of these products could cause severe damage to the body.

With all treatment plans, retreatment may be necessary if itching continues more than 2-4 weeks after treatment or if new burrows or rashes continue to appear.

Never use a Scabicide intended for veterinary or agricultural use to treat humans!

On a person, scabies mites can live for as long as 1-2 months. 

Off a person, scabies mites usually do not survive more than 48-72 hours.

Scabies mites do not survive more than 2–3 days away from human skin.

Carpets and furniture should be carefully vacuumed to remove dead mites, eggs, and excrement that could still be in the fabrics.

Countertops and frequently touched surfaces should be wiped down with a disinfectant. Our BenzaRid Disinfectant is perfect for deep cleaning and disinfecting your home of residual contaminants.

We strongly suggest using Mite-B-Gone Mite Killer Spray to reduce the chance of mite re-infestation. It is crucial to wash clothes, bedding, and towels daily in hot water, disinfect your home entirely, and, if needed, repeatedly use Mite-B-Gone Mite Killer Spray during treatment to kill mites.

Items such as bedding, clothing, and towels used by someone with scabies can be decontaminated by machine-washing in hot water and drying using the hot cycle or by dry-cleaning. We highly recommend using our ElimiMite Natural Enzyme Concentrate in your wash to penetrate and lift the dead mites, eggs, and excrement from all your washable bedding, clothing, and other washables.

Items that cannot be washed or dry-cleaned can be decontaminated by keeping them away from body contact for at least 72 hours. Scabies mites will die if exposed to a temperature of 50 °C (122° F) for 10 minutes. Putting the item in direct sunlight would also help assure that the mites have been killed.

Because people with crusted scabies are considered very infectious, careful vacuuming of furniture and carpets in rooms used by these people is recommended.

Fumigation of living areas is unnecessary.

No, to both questions.

Animals do not spread human scabies. Pets can become infested with a different kind of scabies mite that does not survive or reproduce on humans but causes "mange" in animals. If an animal with "mange" has close contact with a person, the animal mite can get under the person's skin and cause temporary itching and irritation. However, the animal mite cannot reproduce on a person and will die on its own in a couple of days.

Although the person does not need to be treated, the animal should be treated because its mites can continue to burrow into the person's skin and cause symptoms until the animal has been treated successfully. We recommend our Naturasil Pet Mange to help alleviate your pet's mange and clear up their infestation.