Scabies

Scabies is an infestation of the skin by a mite. It can be sexually transmitted. It is quite itchy and can spread easily. The itching is often worse at night. The rash is characterized by small blisters or burrows, which occur along the wrists, sides of fingers, as well as armpits, groin, and navel. Scabies infestation may go undetected for many months until the appropriate diagnosis is made. Treatment is straightforward but close contacts, including family members, must be treated at the same time.  Diagnosis may be made by scraping of the skin rash which is then examined microscopically at the time of the office visit.