Scabies and lice

Scabies is caused by tiny mites that burrow into the skin and cause intense itching, especially at night. Head and pubic lice live on hair; body lice usually live in clothing and move to the skin to feed. Both spread through close contact and, less often, through shared bedding, clothing or towels.

Scabies and head lice can affect anyone. Body lice are more closely associated with limited access to bathing and clean clothing. Treatment depends on the infestation.

Signs and symptoms

• Scabies: intense itching that is worse at night, and a bumpy rash between the fingers, on the wrists, waist, armpits and groin
• Lice: itching on the scalp and tiny eggs, called nits, stuck to hair near the scalp

How we treat it

• Prescription creams and lotions, such as permethrin
• Oral medicine in some cases
• Treatment of close contacts: for scabies, household and close contacts generally need treatment at the same time, even without symptoms. For head lice, check household members and treat affected people and bed-sharing contacts as directed.
• Instructions for cleaning bedding, clothing and towels

Where it is offered

Q&A

Related care

• Bug bites and stings
• Rashes
• Chronic itch and prurigo nodularis