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What is scabies?

Scabies is an infestation of mites (Sarcoptes scabiei) that burrow and lay eggs inside skin. The resulting itch and pimple-like rash are a reaction to the infestation.

Scabies mites are very small. To the naked eye, they may look like tiny black dots on the skin. The mites move slowly and cannot jump or fly. They usually spread through prolonged, skin-to-skin contact. This gives them time to crawl from 1 person to another. The mites can occasionally spread through bedding, clothes or towels. They’re unlikely to spread through a quick handshake or hug.

Prescription medication is required to kill scabies. The infection does not clear up on its own.

Find care

Services are available at MinuteClinic (virtual care also available) and CVS Pharmacy®

Insurance and pricing

Most insurance accepted. Check your coverage or estimate the cost of your visit if you’re uninsured or prefer to pay out-of-pocket.

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Need to know more about scabies? We’ve got you covered.

What symptoms can occur with scabies?

  • Itching: This is one of the most common scabies symptoms. Itching from scabies can be intense and is often worse at night.
  • Rash: As the mite burrows into the skin, it forms tracks or lines. This means the rash can resemble bites, blisters, hives, pimples or patches of scaly skin.
  • Sores: Scratching scabies rashes can open up wounds that become infected. Sometimes a secondary infection can form, leading to Staphylococcus aureus, otherwise known as impetigo.

Getting help

A MinuteClinic provider can examine you and assess your symptoms. They can discuss your health history, help you understand scabies and if necessary, prescribe medication.

  1. You may have to answer a few questions about symptoms to help us prepare for your visit prior to scheduling your appointment.

  2. Check-in varies depending on how you scheduled your appointment.

    If you made your appointment online:
    Check in using the email or text message we sent to confirm your appointment. If you prefer to check in using the electronic kiosk, make sure you have your confirmation code.

    If you made your appointment in the clinic:
    Sign in at the electronic kiosk.

    If you made a MinuteClinic Virtual Care® appointment:
    To join your virtual visit, use the link in the email or text message we sent you to confirm your appointment. Please join 15 minutes before your scheduled visit time. You will need your date of birth and ZIP code to join the visit.

  3. When it's time for your appointment, a provider will call your name.
  4. Your provider will conduct a thorough examination based on your reason for visit, presenting symptoms and health history. Charges will be based on examination and services provided during the visit.
  5. At the end of your visit, you are provided with a visit summary, receipt and educational material about your diagnosis. At your request, we can send your primary care provider information about your visit.

Scabies causes, symptoms and treatment

How long it takes for symptoms to occur varies and depends on whether a person has previously had an infestation. When a person is exposed to the scabies mite for the first time, it may take between 4 to 6 weeks before them to experience symptoms. In repeat infestations, the body's immune system is quicker to react. In this case, symptoms may appear in as few as 1 to 4 days after exposure.

Scabies prevention

While the mites can live anywhere on the body, the most common sites for adults and older children include:

  • Around the waistline and navel
  • Between fingers
  • In skin folds around wrists, elbows or knees
  • On breasts, genitals or buttocks
  • On the head, neck, face, palms and soles of the feet in infants and young children
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IMPORTANT! PLEASE READ: This material is for reference only and should not be used to determine treatment for specific medical conditions. Please visit a health care provider for evaluation, diagnosis and treatment of any symptoms you may be experiencing. If you're experiencing a medical emergency, please dial 911 or visit your local emergency department.

 

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