What causes scabies?

Sep 03, 2025 Source: Cainiu Health

Dr. Liu Wenmin

Introduction

In general, scabies may be caused by factors such as a weakened skin barrier, poor personal hygiene habits, scabies mite infection, eczema, diabetes, and other related conditions. It is recommended to seek medical attention promptly, identify the underlying cause, and receive appropriate treatment under a doctor's guidance. In daily life, avoid sharing personal items such as towels, clothing, and bedding with others to reduce the risk of indirect contact transmission. Keep the living environment well-ventilated and dry.

Generally, scabies may be caused by factors such as a weakened skin barrier, poor personal hygiene habits, scabies mite infection, eczema, diabetes, and others. It is recommended to seek timely medical attention, identify the underlying cause, and receive symptomatic treatment under a doctor's guidance. Detailed explanations are as follows:

1. Weakened Skin Barrier: Some individuals have a thin stratum corneum and insufficient sebum production, resulting in reduced skin defense against external pathogens and increased susceptibility to infestation by scabies mites. Daily use of a mild moisturizing cream can help maintain skin hydration. Wearing cotton and breathable clothing to reduce skin friction can also help strengthen the skin barrier function.

2. Poor Personal Hygiene: Failure to bathe or change clothes regularly, or not thoroughly drying washed clothes in sunlight, may promote scabies mite growth and increase the risk of scabies infection. It is important to develop a daily bathing routine, dry clothes under direct sunlight after washing, and regularly clean the living environment to reduce conditions favorable to mite proliferation.

3. Scabies Mite Infection: Scabies mites parasitize the epidermal layer of human skin, burrowing tunnels that irritate the skin and cause symptoms such as itching and rash. The disease can spread through direct or indirect contact. Patients should follow medical advice to apply topical medications such as lindane cream, crotamiton cream, or sulfur ointment to affected areas.

4. Eczema: When eczema is present, the skin is in an inflammatory state with impaired barrier function, making it more susceptible to scabies mite infestation and exacerbating symptoms such as itching and swelling. Under a doctor's guidance, medications such as hydrocortisone butyrate cream, desonide cream, or mometasone furoate gel may be used to alleviate eczema symptoms.

5. Diabetes: Poorly controlled blood sugar levels in diabetic patients can impair skin circulation and nutrient supply, weaken immunity, and increase the risk of scabies mite infestation. Additionally, skin healing is slower after infection. Patients should follow medical instructions to control blood sugar levels using medications such as insulin injection, glimepiride tablets, or metformin extended-release tablets.

It is important to avoid sharing personal items such as towels, clothing, and bedding with others to reduce the risk of indirect transmission. Maintain a well-ventilated and dry living environment, regularly clean and disinfect daily necessities. If family members develop symptoms of scabies, they should be examined and treated simultaneously to prevent cross-infection.

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What is the best medication for treating scabies?

Generally speaking, there is no definitive answer to the question "what is the best medication for treating scabies." Scabies is a contagious skin disease caused by the parasitism of Sarcoptes scabiei mites in the epidermal layer of human skin. Patients can follow medical advice to use medications such as Ivermectin chewable tablets, Crotonate cream, Zinc oxide and sublimed sulfur ointment, Benzyl benzoate lotion, and Basil oil cream for treatment.

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How to treat scabies彻底?

Generally speaking, there is no such thing as a "radical cure for scabies." The main treatments for scabies include isolation treatment, topical medication, oral medication, symptomatic itch relief, and simultaneous treatment of close contacts. Additionally, during treatment, patients should follow medical advice to use medications properly, avoid adjusting dosages or stopping medication on their own, and undergo regular follow-up examinations to confirm the elimination of scabies mites.

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How to tell if scabies mites are gone

In general, to determine whether scabies mites have been completely eliminated, one should assess the following: disappearance of itching, resolution of skin rashes, absence of burrow-like skin lesions, no symptoms in family members, and no recurrence during the observation period. In daily life, clothing, bedding, and similar items should be thoroughly washed and boiled for disinfection to prevent reinfestation. Keeping the skin clean and dry, and avoiding scratching the skin, can help promote skin recovery.

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What are the fastest treatment methods for scabies?

Scabies is a contagious skin disease caused by the scabies mite. There is generally no "fastest treatment for scabies." It can usually be treated effectively through standardized application of topical insecticidal creams, combined use of anti-itch medications, oral antiparasitic drugs, thorough disinfection of personal items, and simultaneous treatment of close contacts. If you have any concerns, it is recommended to seek medical advice in advance.