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Skin and hair

Scabies

Scabies is infestation of the skin by microscopic mites. Close skin contact spreads it, and symptoms can affect several household members.

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What you may notice

Symptoms can overlap with other conditions and vary between people.

  • Intense itching, often at night
  • Small bumps
  • Fine burrow-like tracks
  • Irritated skin

Understanding care

Clinical care may include clinical confirmation and coordinated management of affected contacts. A qualified clinician decides which investigations and options fit the individual situation.

When to seek help

Seek review for persistent symptoms, spreading lesions, significant pain or scarring. Fever with spreading redness, oozing or rapidly worsening skin needs prompt assessment.

For severe breathing difficulty, collapse, suspected stroke, or another emergency, call local emergency services immediately. In India, call 112.

Read the medical sources

These sources support the educational article and offer more detail.

Educational reading · Updated 6 October 2026

Prepared from the linked sources. This summary has not had an independent clinician review. A qualified clinician can assess symptoms and explain which information applies to you.

A child and a caring grown-up reading a picture book together

LITTLE PEOPLE. BIG FEELINGS.

It’s okay to have
a lot of questions.

A doctor visit or an unfamiliar health word can feel scary. You can ask a trusted grown-up to help you understand, one small question at a time.

01

Say how you feel.

“I feel worried” is a good place to start.

02

Ask for simple words.

“Can you explain that in a way I understand?”

03

Bring someone you trust.

A caring adult can help you ask and listen.

For children and their grown-ups. This illustration explains a conversation, not a diagnosis. An adult should seek qualified care for a child who is unwell.

Scabies — First AID health library