What Does Scabies Look Like on the Skin?

Scabies appears as small, intensely itchy red bumps and thin, wavy burrow tracks on the skin. The characteristic burrows look like pencil marks or raised lines, typically measuring 2-10 millimeters long and appearing grayish or skin-colored. These tracks are created by female mites tunneling under the skin to lay eggs. Common locations include the webs between fingers, wrists, elbows, armpits, waistline, and genital areas. The rash often becomes more widespread with secondary scratching, creating additional red bumps, welts, or crusty sores. In infants and young children, scabies may also affect the face, scalp, palms, and soles of feet.

Related Questions

• How long does it take for scabies symptoms to appear?

• Can scabies burrows be seen with the naked eye?

• What is the difference between scabies and eczema rash?

• Where on the body does scabies typically start first?

Related Articles

Scabies Treatment Options: Prescription and Home Remedies

Learn about effective treatments for scabies including permethrin cream, oral medications, and supportive care measures. This guide covers treatment timelines and what to expect during recovery.

How Scabies Spreads: Prevention and Transmission Facts

Understand how scabies mites spread from person to person and through contaminated items. Essential information for preventing reinfection and protecting family members.

Scabies vs. Other Skin Conditions: A Visual Comparison

Compare scabies symptoms with similar-looking conditions like eczema, bed bug bites, and dermatitis. Helpful visual guides to aid in proper identification and diagnosis.

Learn More

• What Does Chlamydia Discharge Look Like?

• What the Future of Telehealth Might Look Like