Symptoms of scabies

The main symptom of scabies is intense itching, which is usually worse at night and after a hot bath. A rash follows, but the pattern differs between people.

Typical symptoms

• Severe itching, often disturbing sleep.
• A pimple-like rash of small red bumps.
• Thin, wavy, greyish lines (burrows) a few millimetres long on the skin.
• Scratch marks, scabs and sometimes sores from scratching.

Common places on the body

• Between the fingers and on the wrists.
• Elbows, armpits and waistline.
• Genital area, buttocks and inner thighs.
• Around the nipples in women, and the breasts.
• Soles and palms.
• In babies and young children, it can also affect the face, scalp, palms and soles.

Symptoms in different groups

• Infants may be irritable, feed poorly and have blisters on the palms and soles.
• Older adults may have a less typical rash and little itching.
• People with weak immunity can have crusted (Norwegian) scabies, with thick, scaly crusts that are very contagious.

Signs of infection Honey-coloured crusts, pus, warmth, swelling or fever suggest a secondary bacterial infection, which needs medical care.