Eczema and scabies can look similar, but they are two different skin conditions. Scabies is caused by a mite infestation, while eczema is a skin irritation that may be related to your immune system.
The most important difference between scabies and eczema is that scabies is highly contagious. It can be spread very easily through skin-to-skin contact.
Eczema can’t be passed from person to person.
This article explores the primary differences between these two skin conditions, including their causes, symptoms, and treatments.
Scabies and eczema may have a similar appearance, but their causes are very different. Scabies is caused by a mite infestation, while eczema is a skin irritation.
Scabies causes
Scabies is caused by an infestation of a mite called Sarcoptes scabiei. The scabies mite lives and lays eggs within the first layer of skin.
Symptoms can take up to six weeks to appear. During that time, the mites are living, multiplying, and spreading, possibly to other people.
Generally, to become infected, you must be in contact — for longer than a brief moment — with a person who has scabies.
Scabies can also be spread indirectly by contact with items that have been used by a person with a scabies infection, such as sharing a bed or a piece of clothing.
Eczema causes
Eczema can’t be passed from person to person.
Doctors are unsure about the exact cause of eczema, but it’s thought to be caused by an overactive immune system and a genetic variant that affects the skin’s barrier. The variant allows moisture to escape and germs to enter.
People with a family history of eczema may have a higher chance of developing eczema. Although it can develop at any age, children are more likely to develop the condition.
Eczema flares may be triggered by:
If you have a red patch of itchy skin, it could be eczema or scabies.
A rash caused by scabies will most likely start in the webbing of your toes or fingers and then track upwards. For example, if it starts between your fingers, it may move to your knuckles or the backs of your hands.
Eczema can occur anywhere on your body but often appears initially on the backs of your hands.
A doctor can diagnose what it is by scraping the skin for a sample to test.
Scabies symptoms
The most prevalent symptom of scabies is an intensely itchy rash. The rash typically has small, pimple-like bumps within it.
Sometimes, you can see what looks like tiny paths in your skin. This is where the female mites are burrowing. These paths can be skin-colored or grayish lines.
Eczema symptoms
Eczema commonly occurs in flare-ups, meaning that sometimes it’s in full force while other times it may not be present.
Eczema typically appears in patches and may be red with blisters. These blisters usually break easily and seep clear liquid.
Breakouts are more likely to appear on the elbows, backs of the knees, or other areas of the arms and legs. The rash may itch, and the skin may appear dry, scaly, or flaky.
The image gallery below shows pictures of these two different conditions: scaboes and eczema.
Scabies is highly contagious, so if you think you may have an infection, see a doctor immediately.
Once a doctor has confirmed a diagnosis of scabies, you’ll want to let everyone you’ve come into contact with know. That way, if they begin to show symptoms, they can seek medical care for diagnosis and treatment.
If you’ve been living with eczema or have been experiencing more frequent flare-ups, it’s worthwhile to visit a doctor. They can devise a treatment plan to help ease symptoms and manage flare-ups.
You may also want to keep a journal for when these flare-ups occur. That way, you can avoid certain things in your life — such as diet, stress, or perfumes — that seem to be triggering your eczema flare-ups.
The treatments for eczema and scabies are quite different.
Scabies treatments
Treatment for scabies should start immediately after diagnosis to avoid the high probability of passing scabies to other people.
Scabies must be diagnosed by a doctor and treated with a prescription medication called a scabicide. If you’re diagnosed with scabies, commit to following the treatment directions completely, as reinfestation is highly possible.
Eczema treatments
Eczema is a chronic condition of the skin. Treatment is focused on managing the symptoms. Many treatments can be bought over the counter. Popular treatments include:
- moisturizing lotion
- liquid cleanser
- shampoo
- steroid cream
- UV radiation
Implement a good skin care regimen to help combat symptoms. And don’t hesitate to see a doctor if your eczema is affecting your daily life.
If you think you or a loved one may be infected with scabies, you should visit a doctor as soon as possible to begin treatment. The sooner the treatment starts, the less likely you or your loved one are to pass the scabies along.
If the affected area of your skin is only slightly itchy and appears dry or cracked, you may have eczema.
If the patch doesn’t improve or go away over time or with the application of moisturizing products, you should consult a dermatologist for the best course of treatment.