Scabies Transmission: Can It Spread Through Hand Contact?

Skin rashes caused by scabies look like raised bumps. The webbing of hands is a common spot for scabies infestation. Almost anyone can get scabies from contact with people or fabric fibers.

Identification

• Scabies are parasites that burrow underneath the skin and lay eggs and live. These eggs hatch and more scabies spread and create itchy pimple-like bumps; the itch is worse at night when the mites are active.

Scabies Rash

• The scabies rash can be found on the hands, groin, armpits, breasts and wrists of an individual.

Who Is at Risk?

• Anyone in contact with people can get scabies. People most at risk are those in nursing homes, childcare facilities and schools.

Infection through Prolonged Contact

• According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, scabies can be spread through prolonged skin-to-skin contact such as hand holding, sharing a bed or sexual contact.

Infection through Brief Contact

• Only a severe form of scabies, called Norwegian scabies, can be passed on by brief contact like handshakes.

Treatment

• Treat scabies by getting a prescription for a medicated cream such as Elimite, Eurax or Acticin. Use the entire cream to prevent reinfection.