What Does Scabies Look Like on the Skin?
Medically reviewed by Andre Stone | MD, University of Pittsburgh School of Medicine on August 25th, 2026.
Scabies often causes small, intensely itchy bumps that may be red, brown, violet, or skin-colored. Thin, wavy burrow tracks may also appear, although they can be difficult to see. 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. Scratching can cause additional irritation, welts, broken skin, or crusty sores and may lead to a skin infection. In infants and young children, scabies may also affect the face, scalp, palms, and soles of feet.
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