Scabies rash is one of the first symptoms that occur in persons infested with scabies mites. Similar to all symptoms produced by scabies, rash occurs due to allergic reactions to the toxins produced by the parasitic mites. Scabies mites’ eggs, secretions and feces are the main agents that produce rash, irritation, severe itch, discomfort, scaling and blistering of the skin.



In most cases, scabies rash shares many similarities with the clinical manifestations of many different skin disorders, including eczema, dermatitis and chicken pox. In the absence of more relevant signs of mite infestation, scabies rash can point to other conditions rather than scabies, preventing doctors from deciding upon the accurate diagnosis and prescribing the right treatment. The unspecific character of the rash produced by scabies mites is the main reason for delayed medical intervention. In some cases, persons with scabies may have already developed complications (bacterial infections, scaling and crusting of the skin) by the time they are diagnosed with scabies and are prescribed the appropriate medications.

Most often, scabies rash affects the hands, fingers and wrists, toes, feet, ankles, knees, elbows, armpits, lower abdomen and chest, buttocks, the region of the nipples and the genitals. Scabies rash rarely occurs on the neck or face, as scabies mites avoid infesting more exposed regions of the skin that can’t provide a good hiding place. However, sometimes scabies rash may also involve the scalp (in the case of infants, old adults and persons with impaired immune system). In very young children and infants, scabies rash is generally more severe and is associated with pruritus and intense itch.

Scabies rash can be very persistent and is usually difficult to treat. It is often the first symptom to occur and the last to disappear, as scabies rash can persist for weeks after the mite infestation has been successfully eradicated. Scabies rash can be alleviated with medications such as hydrocortisone and antihistamine, which provide temporary relief but are often unable to heal the rash completely. Analgesic creams and gels can also be used to calm down severe scabies rash, while oral analgesics provide a longer-lasting effect. Many persons still use alcohol-based lotions and creams for treating scabies rash, unaware that such pharmaceutical products actually aggravate the rash, intensify the sensation of itch and facilitate the formation of crust, which further amplifies discomfort and soreness. In order to avoid an entire series of undesirable effects, it is best to avoid using alcohol-based products for treating scabies rash.