The primary presenting complaint is intense itching that characteristically worsens at night after the bed is warmed by the patient's body heat. A severe itch for weeks or months should arouse suspicion of scabies. Lesions of scabies are very small, wavy, threadlike, slightly elevated, greyish-white burrows, most frequently localised around finger webs, interior surface of wrists and elbows, axilla, lower abdomen, genitalia and under breasts in women. The burrow is usually from 1 mm to 10 mm long. The terminal end of the burrow, where the mites reside, may be capped with a small blister.
Bacterial infections can result from constant scratching.
Maintain good personal hygiene. Do not share clothes, towels or bed linen with others. Ensure that all household members are treated simultaneously. Exclude affected children from school and child care until treatment has commenced. Isolate cases until appropriate treatment has commenced.