What are the symptoms of scabies (sarcoptic mange)?

From the Guidelines

Scabies is characterized by pruritus as its predominant symptom, which occurs after sensitization to Sarcoptes scabiei, with the first infestation taking up to several weeks to develop, while subsequent reinfestations can cause pruritus within 24 hours. The symptoms of scabies can vary, but according to the 2015 guidelines on sexually transmitted diseases treatment 1, the primary symptom is pruritus, which is a result of sensitization to the mite.

Key Symptoms

• Pruritus is the predominant symptom of scabies
• Sensitization to Sarcoptes scabiei occurs before pruritus begins
• The first time a person is infested with S. scabiei, sensitization takes up to several weeks to develop
• Pruritus might occur within 24 hours after a subsequent reinfestation

Important Considerations

• Scabies in adults is frequently sexually acquired, although scabies in children usually is not, as noted in the guidelines 1
• The symptoms can develop at different times depending on whether it's a first-time infestation or a reinfestation
• It's essential to seek medical attention promptly if scabies is suspected, as treatment requires prescription medications and all household members and close contacts typically need simultaneous treatment to prevent reinfestation.

From the FDA Drug Label

Scabies infestation is often accompanied by pruritus, edema, and erythema.

• Symptoms of scabies include:
  • Pruritus (itching)
  • Edema (swelling)
  • Erythema (redness) Patients may experience persistent pruritus after treatment, which is rarely a sign of treatment failure 2.

From the Research

Symptoms of Scabies

The symptoms of scabies are not explicitly described in the provided studies. However, the studies discuss the treatment and management of scabies, which is a highly contagious and intensely pruritic parasitic infestation caused by the human itch mite (Sarcoptes scabiei var. hominis) 3, 4, 5, 6, 7.

Treatment of Scabies

The treatment of scabies typically involves the use of topical or oral medications, such as permethrin or ivermectin. The studies compare the efficacy and safety of these treatments, including:

• Topical permethrin 5% cream 4, 5, 6, 7
• Oral ivermectin 4, 5, 6, 7
• Topical ivermectin 1% lotion 6

Key Findings

Some key findings from the studies include:

• Permethrin and ivermectin are both effective treatments for scabies 4, 5, 6, 7
• Topical permethrin may have a faster onset of action than oral ivermectin 7
• The efficacy of permethrin and ivermectin may be similar after 2-4 weeks of treatment 4, 5, 6
• The safety profiles of permethrin and ivermectin are generally similar, with few and mild adverse events reported 6

Treatment Strategies

The studies suggest that treatment strategies for scabies may involve:

• A single application of topical permethrin or oral ivermectin 4, 5, 7
• A two-dose regimen of oral ivermectin repeated at a 2-week interval 7
• A combination of topical and oral treatments 3