Do Scabies Go in Your Hair? Separating Fact from Fiction
Do scabies go in your hair? Generally, no, scabies mites typically do not infest the hair, particularly on the scalp; they prefer areas with skin folds and warmth, focusing on areas like the hands, wrists, and between fingers.
Understanding Scabies and Its Preferred Habitats
Scabies is a highly contagious skin infestation caused by tiny mites called Sarcoptes scabiei. These mites burrow into the upper layer of the skin where they live and lay their eggs. Understanding their preferred habitats is key to debunking myths about where they can and cannot thrive. The intense itching, especially at night, is a hallmark symptom.
Why Skin, Not Hair, is the Mite’s Target
Scabies mites prefer skin folds and warm, moist areas of the body. This explains why they are commonly found in:
- Between the fingers and toes
- Wrists
- Elbows
- Armpits
- Around the waistline
- Genital area
- Buttocks
The mites need to burrow into the skin to survive and reproduce. Hair follicles, while connected to the skin, don’t provide the ideal environment for burrowing and egg-laying that the scabies mite seeks.
Exceptions and Contributing Factors
While typically scabies doesn’t infest the hair on the scalp, there are exceptions. Specifically, individuals with crusted scabies (also known as Norwegian scabies) can experience a more widespread infestation. Crusted scabies is a severe form of the disease that occurs in people with weakened immune systems, elderly individuals, or those who are unable to scratch. In these cases, millions of mites can infest the body, including the scalp and even under the fingernails.
Factors that can contribute to a scalp infestation, albeit rare, include:
- Compromised Immune System: Weakened immunity allows mites to multiply rapidly.
- Poor Hygiene: While scabies is not directly caused by poor hygiene, it can exacerbate the spread and severity of the infestation, potentially making the scalp a more viable, albeit less desirable, host.
- Severe Crusted Scabies: This is the primary cause of scabies extending to the scalp and hair.
Diagnosing and Treating Scabies, Including Potential Scalp Involvement
Diagnosis typically involves a physical examination by a healthcare provider. A skin scraping may be taken to examine under a microscope for mites or eggs. Treatment usually involves prescription creams or lotions called scabicides, which kill the mites. Permethrin cream is a common first-line treatment.
If scabies is suspected on the scalp (especially in cases of crusted scabies), the healthcare provider may recommend specific treatments or shampoos that can be safely used on the scalp. It is crucial to follow your doctor’s instructions carefully.
Scabies vs. Other Scalp Conditions
It’s important to differentiate scabies from other conditions that can cause itching and irritation on the scalp, such as:
- Dandruff: Characterized by flaky, dry scalp skin.
- Seborrheic Dermatitis: A common skin condition causing redness, scaly patches, and dandruff.
- Head Lice: Tiny insects that live on the scalp and lay eggs (nits) on hair shafts.
- Folliculitis: Inflammation of the hair follicles, often caused by bacteria or fungi.
A proper diagnosis is essential to ensure effective treatment. The following table highlights some key differences:
| Condition | Primary Symptom | Location | Cause | Treatment |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Scabies | Intense itching, especially at night | Skin folds, between fingers, wrists, etc. | Sarcoptes scabiei mite | Prescription scabicides (e.g., permethrin cream) |
| Dandruff | Flaky, dry skin on scalp | Scalp | Overproduction of skin cells, yeast infection | Medicated shampoos containing zinc pyrithione, selenium sulfide, etc. |
| Head Lice | Itching, feeling of something crawling | Scalp and hair | Pediculus humanus capitis (head lice) | Pediculicides (e.g., permethrin lotion) |
| Folliculitis | Red, pus-filled bumps around hair follicles | Scalp, face, body | Bacteria, fungi | Antibiotics, antifungal creams, good hygiene |
Prevention is Key
Preventing scabies involves avoiding close physical contact with infected individuals and their belongings. Sharing clothing, towels, and bedding should be avoided. If someone in your household is diagnosed with scabies, it’s crucial that everyone in close contact also receives treatment, even if they don’t have symptoms. Washing bedding and clothing in hot water and drying them on high heat can also help to eliminate mites.
Frequently Asked Questions About Scabies
Is it possible for scabies to live in beards or mustaches?
While less common than other skin areas, scabies can potentially infest beards and mustaches, especially if the individual has crusted scabies or if the beard area is in close proximity to other heavily infested skin. Treatment should include the beard area if there’s a suspicion of infestation.
Can scabies spread through sharing a comb or brush?
Although scabies mites primarily spread through prolonged skin-to-skin contact, sharing personal items like combs or brushes carries a small risk, particularly if used shortly after being used by an infected individual. Thorough cleaning of these items is recommended.
How long can scabies mites survive off the human body?
Scabies mites can typically survive for about 2-3 days off the human body under normal room temperature and humidity. This highlights the importance of cleaning and disinfecting potentially contaminated surfaces.
What are the first signs of a scabies infestation?
The most common early sign of scabies is intense itching, often worse at night. Tiny, pimple-like bumps or blisters may also appear, often in the folds of skin.
Are there any over-the-counter treatments for scabies?
There are no effective over-the-counter treatments for scabies. Prescription scabicides, like permethrin cream, are necessary to kill the mites.
Can pets get scabies and transmit it to humans?
Pets can get a different type of scabies called sarcoptic mange, but the mites that affect animals are different from the human scabies mite. While animal mites can cause temporary itching in humans, they cannot reproduce on human skin and the infestation will resolve on its own.
What is the best way to clean my home to prevent the spread of scabies?
Wash all bedding, clothing, and towels used in the 3 days prior to treatment in hot water and dry them on high heat. Vacuum all carpets and upholstered furniture. Items that cannot be washed or dry-cleaned should be sealed in a plastic bag for at least 72 hours.
How do I know if my scabies treatment is working?
The itching may continue for several weeks after treatment, even if the mites are dead. This is because the allergic reaction to the mites and their waste products takes time to subside. If new burrows or lesions appear after treatment, or if the itching worsens, consult your healthcare provider.
Is it possible to get scabies more than once?
Yes, it is possible to get scabies more than once. Having had scabies does not provide immunity.
Can scabies be mistaken for eczema or another skin condition?
Yes, scabies can sometimes be mistaken for eczema or other skin conditions, as the symptoms of itching and rash can be similar. It is important to see a healthcare provider for an accurate diagnosis.
How long does it take for scabies symptoms to appear after exposure?
For people who have never had scabies before, symptoms may take 2-6 weeks to appear. For those who have had scabies previously, symptoms may appear much faster, typically within 1-4 days.
What if I still have itching after completing scabies treatment?
Post-scabetic itch is common. Your doctor may prescribe topical corticosteroids or antihistamines to help relieve the itching. Moisturizing the skin regularly can also help. If the itching is severe or persistent, a repeat course of treatment may be necessary, only under the guidance of a doctor.