Scabies spreads easily through close contact, including sexual activity, but it’s not technically a sexually transmitted infection (STI). Instead, it’s a contagious skin infestation caused by tiny mites (Sarcoptes scabiei) that burrow into the skin to lay eggs.
The itching and rash that follow come from the body’s allergic reaction to these mites and their waste.
How Scabies Spreads
Scabies spreads primarily through prolonged skin-to-skin contact, which can happen between family members, romantic partners, or anyone living in close quarters. So, because sexual contact often involves extended touch, it’s one of the common ways women who sleep with their partners can pass scabies.
However, you can also get scabies by:
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Sleeping in the same bed or sharing clothing, towels, or bedding with an infected person.
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Living in crowded or shared spaces such as dormitories, prisons, or boarding houses.
Note: Casual contact, such as a handshake or quick hug, rarely spreads scabies because the mites don’t jump or fly.
Common Symptoms of Scabies
Symptoms usually appear 2 to 6 weeks after first exposure (or sooner if you’ve had it before). The classic signs include:
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Intense itching, especially at night
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Red bumps, tiny blisters, or thin lines (burrow tracks) on the skin
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Rash in specific areas such as the wrists, between fingers, under breasts, around the waistline, buttocks, or genitals
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Treatment of Scabies
Scabies is completely treatable with prescription creams or medications. Here are the steps to treating scabies:
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Medical treatment
The most common treatment is permethrin 5% cream, applied to the entire body from the neck down and left on for 8–14 hours before washing off. In some cases, your doctor may prescribe oral ivermectin, especially for severe or crusted scabies.
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Treat all those in close contact
You should encourage everyone in the same household or sexual partner(s) to be treated at the same time, even if they don’t have symptoms, to prevent re-infection.
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Clean your environment
Wash all clothes, bed sheets, and towels used in the last 3 days in hot water and dry them on high heat. Items that can’t be washed should be sealed in a plastic bag for at least 3 days.
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Relieve itching
Can You Prevent Scabies?
Yes, you can, with good hygiene and awareness, like
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Avoiding close physical contact with anyone who has an itchy rash until they’ve been treated.
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Not sharing clothing, towels, or bedding.
Note: If you’ve been diagnosed with scabies, inform recent sexual or close contacts so they can also get treated.
Bottom Line
Scabies may spread through sexual contact, but it’s not classified as an STI. It’s a contagious skin infestation. The good news is it’s very treatable, and early diagnosis can prevent unnecessary discomfort and spread.
If you suspect scabies, don’t self-medicate; see a healthcare provider for proper diagnosis and prescription treatment.
Have you or someone you know ever dealt with scabies? How did you handle it?
Researched by Mercy Adeniyi.
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