Scabies
Overview
Scabies is a highly contagious skin disease caused by a mite too small to see with the naked eye. The mite burrows just beneath the outer layer of skin and causes itching.
Symptoms
Some people have a widespread, red scaly rash and others have almost no visible sign of infection. The most common symptom is a rash that itches intensely, especially at night. The rash can be anywhere on your body but is usually on the hands, breasts, genital area, and waistline.
Treatments
A topical prescription medication is most commonly used to treat scabies. Proper application, along with washing clothing, towels and bed linens in hot water, kills the mites. Itching and a rash often persist up to 3 weeks following treatment. One treatment usually cures the condition and most people are no longer contagious. Your doctor may ask you to re-treat yourself in one week. If you still have itching one month after treatment, call your doctor.