Quick answer. Scabies is an intensely itchy skin condition caused by a tiny mite that burrows into the top layer of skin. The hallmark is severe itch that is typically worse at night, with a rash and small burrow tracks – often in the finger webs, wrists, waist and genitals. It spreads through close, prolonged skin-to-skin contact, so it passes easily between household members and in dormitories and care homes. Scabies is not a sign of poor hygiene – anyone can get it. It needs prescription treatment, usually permethrin 5% cream (sometimes oral ivermectin), applied to the whole body. Crucially, all close contacts must be treated at the same time, even without symptoms, and bedding and clothing washed in hot water. See a doctor in Singapore for diagnosis.
Scabies is a common, intensely itchy skin condition caused by a microscopic mite (Sarcoptes scabiei) that burrows into the upper layer of the skin. The female mite lays eggs there, and the body’s reaction to the mites and their waste causes the characteristic itch and rash. The itch is usually worse at night and can be severe.
Scabies is not a sign of being dirty or having poor hygiene – anyone can catch it through close skin contact, which is why it spreads easily within households, dormitories and care homes. It will not clear on its own and needs prescription treatment, applied not just to the affected person but to all close contacts at the same time. This guide explains the symptoms, how it spreads, how it is treated in Singapore, and why treating contacts and washing bedding matters.
At a glance
| Topic | Details | Action |
|---|---|---|
| Main symptom | Intense itching, typically worse at night and after a hot shower | See a doctor for diagnosis – do not just treat the itch |
| Where it shows | Rash and tiny burrow lines in finger webs, wrists, elbows, armpits, waist, genitals | Point these areas out to the doctor |
| How it spreads | Close, prolonged skin-to-skin contact; within households, dorms, care homes | Treat everyone in close contact at the same time |
| Treatment | Prescription permethrin 5% cream applied to whole body; sometimes oral ivermectin; usually two applications a week apart | Follow instructions exactly; repeat as advised |
| Household & laundry | Mites can survive briefly off the body on fabrics | Wash bedding, towels and clothing in hot water; treat all contacts |
Symptoms – itch worse at night and burrows
The main symptom of scabies is intense itching, which is classically worse at night and after a warm shower. Other features include:
- A rash of small red bumps, sometimes with scratch marks, scabbing or tiny blisters
- Burrows – thin, wavy greyish lines a few millimetres long, where the mite has tunnelled under the skin
- Typical locations: the finger webs, wrists, elbows, armpits, around the waist, navel, buttocks, and the genitals; in babies and young children the palms, soles, head and neck can be affected
Itching often starts a few weeks after first catching scabies (your body takes time to react), but can begin within a day or two if you have had it before. The itch may persist for a couple of weeks even after successful treatment.
How scabies spreads
Scabies spreads mainly through close, prolonged skin-to-skin contact – for example, living in the same household, holding hands for long periods, or sexual contact. Because of this, it commonly passes between household members and in settings where people are in close contact, such as dormitories, hostels, childcare settings and care homes. In Singapore, outbreaks are seen more often in such institutional settings than in individual homes.
Less commonly, the mites can spread via bedding, towels or clothing recently used by someone with scabies, because the mites can survive briefly off the body. A quick handshake or hug is usually not enough to pass it on.
Scabies is NOT about poor hygiene
It is important to understand that scabies is not caused by being unclean. Anyone can get it, regardless of how often they wash, because it spreads through ordinary close skin contact – not dirt. Catching scabies is nothing to be ashamed of, and washing more frequently will not get rid of the mites.
Because of the stigma, people sometimes delay seeing a doctor or hide it from family members – but this allows it to spread further. The right approach is the opposite: get diagnosed early, tell your close contacts so they can be treated too, and follow the treatment fully.
Treatment – for you AND your close contacts
Scabies needs prescription treatment – over-the-counter anti-itch creams alone will not cure it. In Singapore, the usual treatment is a topical scabicide, most commonly permethrin 5% cream (malathion is an alternative), with oral ivermectin sometimes used, for example in widespread cases or outbreaks. Treatment is typically given as two applications about a week apart.
Key points for treatment to work:
- Apply the cream to the whole body from the neck down (and including the head and neck in young children, the elderly, and where directed), not just the itchy spots – including between the fingers and toes, under the nails, and the genitals.
- Leave it on as directed (often overnight, around 8-12 hours) before washing off, and reapply if you wash your hands during this time.
- Treat all household members and close contacts at the same time, even if they have no symptoms, because they may be infected but not yet itchy.
- Expect itching to continue for up to a couple of weeks after treatment – this does not mean it has failed. Your doctor may suggest moisturisers or antihistamines for the itch.
Washing bedding, and when to see a doctor
Alongside medication, treat the home environment on the day of treatment:
- Wash bedding, towels and clothing used in the few days before treatment in hot water and dry on a hot cycle, or iron them.
- Items that cannot be washed can be sealed in a plastic bag for several days (mites do not survive long away from the body).
- Vacuum mattresses and soft furnishings.
See a doctor in Singapore (a GP, polyclinic or the skin specialist) if you have a persistent, intensely itchy rash – especially if it is worse at night, affects the finger webs or wrists, or several people in your home or dormitory are itchy. Seek prompt specialist care for crusted (Norwegian) scabies, a severe, highly contagious form seen in people with weakened immunity, which appears as thick, crusted skin and needs intensive treatment.
Related guides
- Best Dermatology Clinics in Singapore — our editorial shortlist
- dermatology clinics directory
- Cellulitis
- Boils & abscesses
- Cold sores
Sources
- Singapore Medical Journal – Management of scabies
- HealthHub (Singapore) – Permethrin
- National Skin Centre (NSC) – Scabies (Health Library)
- World Health Organization – Scabies
- Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) – About Scabies
Related conditions & guides
Related conditions and guides you may find useful:
- Fungal Nail Infection (Onychomycosis) in Singapore
- Fungal Skin Infections in Singapore
- Viral Warts Treatment in Singapore
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