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Can Scabies Be Transferred From 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.

  1. 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.

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