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• STDs

Is a Scabies Infection an STD? Here’s Everything You Need to Know

Medically reviewed and edited by Theresa Vergara, CNP-BC

What are Scabies?

Scabies is a condition where the skin is infested by the human itch mite Sarcoptes scabiei var. hominis.

According to the World Health Organization (WHO), about 200 million people worldwide suffer from scabies.

The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) explains that the scabies mites burrow into the upper layer of the skin where they live and lay eggs.

Scabies generally presents as an extremely itchy, pimply rash that is caused by a type of allergic reaction to the proteins and feces of the mites under the skin.

These rashes are commonly found in areas between the fingers, on wrists, elbows, armpits, and shoulder blades. They also often appear on the penis, nipple, waist, and buttocks.

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How Can You Spread Scabies to Someone Else?

Although scabies is generally spread through direct skin-to-skin contact with an infected person, they can also be spread through clothing, towels, and bedding.

You are most likely to contract scabies if someone in your house is infested, but it's also commonly spread at:

• Nursing homes and extended care facilities

• Hospitals

• Classrooms

• Daycares

• Dorms and student residences

• Gyms and sports lockers

• Prisons

• Refugee camps

Is a Scabies Infection Considered an STD?

Since a scabies infection is typically spread through sexual contact or close bodily contact, it is considered an STD.

Interestingly, the American Sexual Health Association (ASHA) says that you are more likely to contract scabies from your partner if you spend the night with them than you are from a brief sexual encounter.

However, it is important to note that scabies can also be spread through nonsexual contact.

This can happen via other forms of skin-to-skin contact or exposure to infested surfaces such as furniture, bedding, or clothing.

Common Scabies Symptoms To Look Out For

The most common symptoms of scabies include extremely itchy skin (often worsening at night) and a pimply rash. This rash may also spread and harden, causing a case of crusted scabies.

You may also have visible mite burrows that generally appear in a zigzag or ‘S’ pattern.

If you have never had scabies before, symptoms generally present four to six weeks after contact with a carrier.

But if you have previously been infested, you may start to experience symptoms in one to four days.

Unlike adults, infants and children who get scabies tend to have a rash on their head, face, neck, palms, and the soles of their feet.

How are Scabies Diagnosed?

Scabies is best diagnosed by a doctor who will examine the skin rash or other symptoms that have developed.

A doctor will typically view a scraping of the skin under a microscope to check for mites, eggs, or mite fecal matter — also known as scybala.

Alternatively, a doctor can identify the scabies mite by removing it from its burrow using the tip of a needle.

How are Scabies Usually Treated?

Medications called scabicides are often prescribed to treat scabies. These usually come in the form of a lotion that should be applied over the whole body to relieve skin irritation.

It’s recommended that the whole household and all sexual partners of an infested individual be treated as well.

Surfaces that an infested individual was in contact with such as bedding, clothing, and towels should be washed in hot water and dried in a hot dryer or dry cleaned.

These items can also be covered in plastic for at least 72 hours as the mites cannot survive outside of human skin for more than three days.

When Should I Visit a Doctor About My Symptoms?

If you suspect that you may have scabies, it’s best to consult a doctor as soon as possible.

A scabies infestation is a highly contagious skin condition and requires diagnosis, as well as treatment by a medical professional.

The WHO warns individuals with scabies that they are also at risk of bacterial infections that could lead to skin sores.

Where Can I Learn More About Scabies and Other STDs?

LifeMD’s online portal is a great place to get medical advice about scabies and any other STDs or skin conditions.

We understand that STDs can be a sensitive topic, so you can consult a doctor by signing up for a virtual appointment with us from the comfort of your home.

Theresa Vergara, CNP-BC

Theresa is a Certified Nurse Practitioner with a Masters in Human Nutrition and a Doctorate in Nursing from Columbia University. Theresa has treated hospitalized patients and helped patients manage chronic and acute conditions.

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