What is Scabies? Causes, Symptoms, and Natural Treatment

alana korol
2026-03-27T06:47:05-04:00

What is scabies? Learn what causes it, common symptoms, how it spreads, and natural ways to treat and prevent it.

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Scabies is a highly contagious skin condition caused by a microscopic mite called Sarcoptes scabiei.

These tiny parasites burrow into the outer layer of the skin, where they live, lay eggs, and reproduce—leading to intense itching and irritation.

Although uncomfortable, scabies is very treatable with the right approach, especially when addressed early.

What Causes Scabies?

Scabies is caused by direct infestation of the skin by the human scabies mite.

Once on the skin, a female mite:

Burrows into the outer skin layer

Lays eggs daily

Creates tunnels (burrows)

Lives for several weeks

The lifecycle continues as:

Eggs hatch in 3–4 days

Larvae mature into adults within 10–14 days

New mites continue the cycle

👉 Without treatment, this cycle continues indefinitely.

How Do You Get Scabies?

Scabies spreads through prolonged skin-to-skin contact.

Common ways include:

Sexual contact

Sleeping in the same bed

Close contact with family members

Caring for children or loved ones

Less commonly, it can spread through:

Bedding

Clothing

Towels

What Does Scabies Look Like?

Common Signs

Thin, wavy burrow lines

Small red bumps or rash

Blisters or irritation

Scratch marks from itching

Common Areas Affected

Between fingers

Wrists and elbows

Armpits

Waistline

Genital area

In children, it may also appear on:

Face

Scalp

Hands and feet

What Does Scabies Feel Like?

Intense Itching (Key Symptom)

Scabies itching is:

Worse at night

More intense after heat (like showers)

Spread across multiple areas

Persistent and worsening over time

Why It Itches

The itching is an allergic reaction to:

Mites

Eggs

Waste products

This is why symptoms may take:

4–6 weeks (first infection)

1–4 days (repeat exposure)

Types of Scabies

Classic Scabies

Most common

10–15 mites

Typical itching and rash

Crusted Scabies

Severe form

Thousands of mites

Highly contagious

Requires aggressive treatment

Nodular Scabies

Raised itchy bumps

Can persist after treatment

🌿 A Complete Approach to Treatment

Because scabies affects both the skin and environment, many people find that a whole-system approach works best.

This typically includes:

Cleansing the skin regularly

Supporting irritated or inflamed areas

Treating bedding, clothing, and surfaces

Products such as a Scabies Complete Family Treatment System are designed to support this approach by combining:

Body wash and shampoo for cleansing (such as Scabies Body Wash and Shampoo)

Relief cream for targeted skin support (such as Extreme Scabies Relief Cream)

Surface spray for environmental control (such as Mite Marvel Mite Killer Spray)

A complete approach that treats skin, home, and household together may help reduce reinfestation and support faster recovery.

Natural Treatment Protocol

Daily Body Care

Cleanse daily using Scabies Body Wash and Shampoo

Apply Extreme Scabies Relief Cream from neck to toes

Repeat morning and evening

Scalp & Hair Treatment

Use body wash on scalp 2–3 times weekly

Massage thoroughly

Environmental Cleaning

Wash bedding and clothing in hot water

Vacuum furniture and carpets

Use Mite Marvel Mite Killer Spray on surfaces

Household Treatment

Treat all household members at the same time

Even if symptoms aren’t present

Why Natural Treatment Matters

Natural anti-mite formulations work differently than traditional treatments by:

Targeting mites through multiple pathways

Reducing risk of resistance

Supporting skin healing

Providing anti-inflammatory benefits

They are also:

Gentle on skin

Suitable for extended use

Supportive of overall skin recovery

What Happens If Scabies Is Left Untreated?

Without treatment, scabies can lead to:

Worsening infestation

Skin infections from scratching

Spread to others

Severe irritation and sleep disruption

Scabies vs Other Skin Conditions

Scabies is often confused with:

Eczema

Psoriasis

Contact dermatitis

Bed bug bites

👉 The key differences:

Burrow lines

Nighttime itching

Spreading within households

Preventing Scabies

To reduce risk:

Avoid prolonged skin contact with infected individuals

Do not share bedding or clothing

Begin treatment immediately if exposed

Treat all contacts if one person is infected

🔗 Related Reading

Is Scabies Contagious?

How Long Does Scabies Last?

How Do You Know If Scabies Are Gone?

Can Scabies Go Away on Its Own?

The Bottom Line

Scabies is a common and contagious condition—but it’s also highly treatable.

With:

Early action

A complete treatment approach

Consistent routine

You can eliminate mites, reduce symptoms, and restore healthy skin.