Scabies Rash

Often, a rash does not appear when symptoms of scabies first begin. When it does develop, common characteristics include pimple-like irritations or burrows in the skin and sores on the body caused by the scratching. The rash with scabies is typically found on the wrists, knees, elbows, penis, and webbing between the fingers. In infants and the elderly, the rash is more likely to be widespread.

Scabies-Overview

What Is the Scabies Rash?

Symptoms of scabies usually begin slowly. At the beginning, itching, which is worse at night, may be the only symptom. For a lot of people, a scabies rash does not appear when symptoms first begin or, if it does, it may just be a minor rash similar to dry skin.

Common Characteristics of the Rash

Scratching spreads the mites to other areas, and, after several weeks, the symptoms of scabies worsen. At this point, most people develop a scabies rash. The common characteristics of this rash include:

Pimple-like irritations, burrows, or rash on the skin.
Sores on the body caused by scratching. These sores can sometimes become infected with bacteria.
Scaling and redness caused by the scratching.
Small, rounded lumps (often on the penis and scrotum) that may remain for several weeks after scabies treatment.

Possible Locations of a Scabies Rash

The rash is typically found in the:

Webbing between the fingers
Wrists
Knees
Elbows
Penis
Buttocks
Breasts
Shoulder blades.

(Click Scabies Pictures to see photos illustrating such rashes.)

In infants and the elderly, the scabies rash is more likely to be widespread. It is also more likely to be located on the face and scalp, a location that is rarer in adults. Infants may also have a rash on the palms of their hands and soles of their feet.

(Scabies Rash Continued: Page 2)