Medical Dermatology
(Chronic & Inflammatory Skin Diseases)
Skin Cancer & Pre-Cancer Care
Medical Dermatology
(Chronic & Inflammatory Skin Diseases)
- Acne & Acne Scarring
- Rosacea
- Psoriasis (includes Excimer laser, Narrow band UVB phototherapy)
- Eczema (Atopic Dermatitis)
- Seborrheic Dermatitis
- Contact Dermatitis
- Hives (Urticaria)
- Vitiligo (includes Excimer laser, Narrow band UVB phototherapy)
- Hair Loss (Alopecia)
- Pruritus (Chronic Itching)
- Autoimmune Skin Disorders
- Warts, Molluscum, Fungal
- Sarcoidosis (Skin Involvement)
- Hyperhidrosis (Excessive Sweating)
- Lichen planus
- Blistering Skin Disorders
- Bacterial Skin Infections
- Keloids (Overgrown scar)
- Paraneoplastic Dermatoses (a clue to an internal cancer)
- Skin Issues Related to STDs (STIs)
Scabies
Pigment & Lesion Disorders
Non-Cancer Growth
Surgical Dermatology (Non-Cancer Procedures)
Cosmetic Dermatology
• Scabies
(An intensely itchy rash caused by tiny mites in the skin)
What Is Scabies?
Scabies is caused by the human itch mite. The mite burrows into the outer layer of skin and triggers an allergic reaction, which leads to intense itching and a pimple-like rash. It spreads most often through close skin-to-skin contact, and sometimes through shared bedding, towels, or clothing.
What Does a Scabies Rash Look Like?
Scabies usually causes:
Severe itching, often worse at night
Small itchy bumps or a scattered rash
Sometimes tiny burrows, which can look like short, thin, wavy lines
Scratch marks or sores from rubbing the skin too much.
Common areas include:
Between the fingers
Wrists
Elbows
Armpits
Waistline
Buttocks
Around the nipples
Genital area
Shoulder blades.
Who Can Get Scabies?
Anyone can get scabies. It is not a sign of poor hygiene. It can spread among household members, partners, and people in close-contact living environments. Human scabies comes from human mites, not from pets.
How Is Scabies Diagnosed?
Scabies is often diagnosed from the pattern of itching and rash plus a skin exam. Because it can look like eczema, dermatitis, bites, or other itchy rashes, a dermatologist may look closely for burrows or use other exam tools if needed.
How Is Scabies Treated?
Scabies requires prescription treatment. Common treatments include:
Permethrin 5% cream
Sometimes oral ivermectin
In many cases, treatment is repeated about 1 week later, depending on the plan.
It is also important to treat close contacts when advised and to wash clothing, bedding, and towels on the day treatment begins. Items that cannot be washed can be sealed in a plastic bag for several days.
When to Seek Prompt Care
Seek prompt medical care if:
Several people in the home are itching
You have severe itching with a new rash
You have a weakened immune system
You develop widespread crusting or very thick scaly skin.
Pre-Op Instructions
(Before starting scabies treatment)
Bathe or shower before treatment if instructed.
Apply medication to clean skin exactly as directed.
Most treatments are applied from the neck down; infants and young children may also need treatment on the scalp and face if specifically instructed.
Trim fingernails short to reduce skin damage from scratching.
Wash clothing, sheets, towels, and blankets the day treatment begins.
Post-Op Instructions
(After starting treatment)
Itching may continue for several weeks even after the mites are dead. This does not always mean treatment failed.
Use the medication exactly as directed, including repeat treatment if prescribed.
Avoid close skin-to-skin contact until treatment is complete.
Continue gentle skin care and avoid scratching as much as possible to reduce sores and infection risk.
Call the office if:
The rash keeps spreading
New bumps continue appearing after treatment
You develop pus, increasing redness, fever, or worsening pain
You think you may have crusted scabies, a more severe form that needs more aggressive treatment.