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Scabies – even the word causes discomfort in many people. When thinking of itchy skin, restless nights, and visible rashes, affected individuals often feel additionally stigmatized. However, scabies is not a rare condition: it occurs in all age groups, including people with good personal hygiene. Since transmission often occurs through close physical contact, the question frequently arises: is scabies a sexually transmitted infection (STI)?
This blog post provides you with a clear overview: What exactly is scabies? How is it transmitted? Is it classified as an STI? And what does treatment look like? You will also learn how to protect yourself and when it makes sense to seek medical advice.
Table of contents
- What is scabies?
- Is scabies considered a sexually transmitted infection (STI)?
- How is scabies transmitted?
- Who is particularly at risk?
- How is scabies treated?
- How can you prevent scabies?
What is scabies?
Scabies is a parasitic skin infection caused by the scabies mite (Sarcoptes scabiei var. hominis). The female mites burrow into the uppermost layer of the skin, where they lay eggs and reproduce. This triggers an immune reaction accompanied by intense itching and inflammatory skin changes.
Warm areas of the body are most commonly affected, such as:
- the spaces between fingers
- wrists
- armpits
- nipple area
- genital area
- buttocks
Symptoms usually do not appear immediately after infection – the incubation period (the time between infection and the onset of symptoms) can be one to six weeks.
Typical symptoms of scabies
The symptoms are not caused directly by the mites themselves but by the body’s immune response to their waste and movements in the skin. Common symptoms include:
- intense itching, especially at night or when warm
- skin redness
- small blisters or pustules
- scratch marks, often due to severe itching
- fine, winding lines on the skin (so-called mite burrows), caused by the mites digging
In cases of repeated infection, symptoms may appear more quickly and more severely due to prior sensitization. Particularly in older adults, immunocompromised individuals, or infants, symptoms may be atypical or more severe (Cleveland Clinic, 2024).
Is scabies considered a sexually transmitted infection (STI)?
Scabies is generally not classified as a classical sexually transmitted infection (STI). This is because transmission does not occur exclusively through sexual contact, but through any close, prolonged skin-to-skin contact – such as sleeping in the same bed, cuddling, or close physical contact in everyday life.
However, it is important to know that scabies can also be transmitted through sexual contact, as this typically involves intense skin contact. In sexual relationships, transmission can easily occur – especially with frequently changing partners.
Scabies is therefore not an STI in the strict sense but can still be transmitted in the context of sexual activity (MayoClinic, 2022).
How is scabies transmitted?
Scabies is transmitted through close, direct skin-to-skin contact with an infected person. The duration of contact is critical – a brief handshake usually does not suffice for transmission. Common transmission routes include:
- sleeping in the same bed
- close physical care or prolonged cuddling
- sexual contact involving close skin contact
In rare cases, infection may occur indirectly – for example, through shared clothing, bedding, or towels. Since mites can only survive for a limited time outside the human body (about 24–72 hours), this transmission route is much less common.
Scabies is highly contagious, especially within households or communal facilities such as nursing homes, childcare centers, or refugee shelters. If not detected and treated, the infection can spread quickly (NHS, 2023).
Who is particularly at risk?
Scabies occurs more frequently in environments where many people live in close quarters. Particularly at risk are:
- residents of nursing homes
- people in communal accommodations (e.g., asylum shelters)
- homeless individuals in overcrowded facilities
- households with close physical contact among members
- young adults with frequently changing sexual partners
Close skin contact promotes the spread of the scabies mite – regardless of age, gender, or hygiene habits (Cleveland Clinic, 2024).
How is scabies treated?
The standard treatment involves applying a special antiparasitic cream or ointment, usually containing the active ingredient permethrin. This is applied to the entire body – including skin areas that appear unaffected. Key measures at a glance:
- treatment of all close contacts, even if they (still) show no symptoms
- washing clothing, bedding, and towels at a minimum of 60 °C
- storing non-washable items in airtight plastic bags for at least 72 hours – this kills the mites
Treatment should be carried out consistently and simultaneously by all affected individuals to prevent reinfection (MayoClinic, 2022).
How can you prevent scabies?
Complete protection from scabies is not always possible, but simple measures can significantly reduce the risk:
- avoid close skin contact with infected individuals, especially during the acute phase
- maintain good hygiene, especially with shared textiles
- speak openly about symptoms or possible infections in intimate relationships
- regularly inspect your skin, especially after contact with affected individuals
Although scabies is unpleasant, it can be well controlled with early diagnosis and consistent treatment (CDC, 2024).
References
Preventing Scabies | Parasites – Scabies. (2023, December 18). CDC. Retrieved July 21, 2025, from https://www.cdc.gov/scabies/prevention/index.html
Scabies. (n.d.). NHS. Retrieved July 21, 2025, from https://www.nhs.uk/conditions/scabies/
Scabies: Causes, Symptoms, Treatment & Prevention. (n.d.). Cleveland Clinic. Retrieved July 21, 2025, from https://my.clevelandclinic.org/health/diseases/4567-scabies
Scabies – Symptoms and causes. (2022, July 28). Mayo Clinic. Retrieved July 21, 2025, from https://www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/scabies/symptoms-causes/syc-20377378
