The rainy season brings cool showers and relief from summer heat, but it also increases the risk of skin infections like scabies. This contagious skin condition, caused by the microscopic Sarcoptes scabiei mite, thrives in humid and overcrowded conditions, making monsoon the perfect time for outbreaks.
This guide explains symptoms, causes, treatment, and prevention of scabies during monsoon.
What is Scabies?
Scabies is a parasitic skin infestation where mites burrow into the top layer of skin to lay eggs. This leads to:
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Intense itching (worse at night)
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Red rashes, blisters, and burrows
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Secondary bacterial infections due to scratching
Scabies spreads rapidly through close skin contact and can affect all age groups, especially children and people with weak immunity.
Why Scabies Increases in Monsoon
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High Humidity & Sweat – Mites survive better in moist environments.
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Poor Hygiene – Waterlogging and lack of clean water reduce daily hygiene practices.
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Close Living Conditions – Families staying indoors in cramped spaces increase skin-to-skin transmission.
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Use of Damp Clothes or Bedding – Reusing wet towels or improperly dried clothes helps mites survive.
Symptoms of Scabies (Including Mild & Facial Signs)
General Symptoms
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Intense itching, worse at night
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Red, bumpy rashes or tiny blisters
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Thin, wavy burrow lines caused by mites
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Crusting and scaling of skin (chronic cases)
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Secondary bacterial infections from scratching
Scabies Symptoms on Face
Scabies rarely affects the face in adults but is common in children:
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Red patches on cheeks, chin, and forehead
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Itching near eyelids or ears
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Tiny burrows in soft skin folds
How Does Scabies Spread?
Scabies is highly contagious and spreads through:
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Prolonged skin contact (hugging, cuddling)
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Sharing clothes, towels, or bedding
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Crowded shelters or schools
Important: Mites can live 2–3 days on clothing or bedding, so even indirect contact can cause infestation.
Scabies in Children During Rainy Season
Children are more vulnerable due to:
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Weaker immune systems
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Playing in muddy or contaminated water
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Close contact with siblings or classmates
Early diagnosis is crucial to prevent outbreaks in schools or daycare centers.
Scabies Treatment Options
1. Topical Creams
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Permethrin 5% cream is the most prescribed treatment.
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Apply from neck to toes (and scalp for children), leave overnight, rinse in the morning.
2. Oral Medication
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Ivermectin is used for widespread or crusted scabies.
3. Antihistamines
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Relieves severe itching and improves sleep.
4. Treat All Contacts
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All family members should be treated together, even if no symptoms appear.
5. Wash Bedding & Clothes
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Wash everything in hot water and sun-dry or use a dryer.
Home Remedies for Scabies Relief (Not a replacement for medical treatment)
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Neem Oil – Anti-inflammatory & anti-mite properties.
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Tea Tree Oil – Relieves itching and mite control.
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Aloe Vera Gel – Soothes irritated skin.
Prevention of Scabies in Monsoon
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Take daily showers and maintain hygiene.
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Avoid sharing towels, clothes, or personal items.
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Sun-dry bedding and clothes after each use.
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Keep nails trimmed to prevent skin damage from scratching.
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Disinfect frequently touched surfaces.
Caution: When to See a Doctor
Consult a dermatologist if:
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Itching worsens at night or spreads across the body.
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Face or genital areas are affected.
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Secondary infections (sores, pus) appear.
Delayed treatment may lead to crusted scabies.
Scabies vs Other Monsoon Skin Issues
| Condition | Key Symptoms | Unique Factor |
|---|---|---|
| Scabies | Intense itching, burrows, worse at night | Spread via mites & direct contact |
| Fungal Infections | Ring-shaped rash, peeling skin | Caused by fungi, not parasites |
| Eczema | Red patches, dry cracked skin | Chronic & not contagious |
| Prickly Heat | Small red bumps, itching in hot spots | Caused by blocked sweat glands |
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Myth: Only people with poor hygiene get scabies.
✅ Fact: It spreads through close contact, regardless of hygiene. -
Myth: Itching stops immediately after treatment.
✅ Fact: Itching can persist for 2–4 weeks after mites are killed. -
Myth: Animals cause human scabies.
✅ Fact: Human scabies is different from animal mange; pets don’t transmit it.
Read More: 10 Best Foods in Summer for Skin & Health
Final Thoughts
Scabies during monsoon is not just a seasonal irritation—it’s a public health concern. Recognizing symptoms early, maintaining hygiene, and seeking timely treatment are key to preventing outbreaks, especially among children and in overcrowded areas.
As the monsoon sets in, awareness and quick action are your best defense against this hidden skin menace.
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