Health encyclopaedia

Health encyclopaedia - Alphabetical Topic List

Diagnosis of Scabies

Your GP will usually be able to diagnose scabies from the appearance of the skin, by looking for the rash and burrows.

The burrows can be highlighted by using an ink test. Ink is rubbed around an itchy spot then wiped off with an alcohol pad. The remaining ink will have tracked into the burrow and show it as a dark line.

To confirm the diagnosis a sample of skin may be gently scraped from the area, for examination under a microscope. This will be used to look for the mites, their eggs and their faeces.

Diagnosis is often made clearer because more than one family member has an itchy rash. 

• SARSScabiesScarlet feverScarsSchizophreniaSciaticaScoliosisScurvySeasonal affective disorderSecond opinionSelf-injurySeptic shockSexual health clinicsSexually transmitted infectionsShinglesShort-sightednessSick building syndromeSickle-cell anaemiaSinusitisSjogren's syndromeSlapped cheek syndromeSleep apnoeaSlipped discSmear testSmoking (quitting)SnoringSore throatSpina bifidaSpinal muscular atrophySports injuriesSprainsSquintStaphylococcal infectionsSterilisationStillbirthStings, insectStings, marine creaturesStreptococcal infectionsStressStretch marksStrokeSubarachnoid haemorrhageSubdural haematomaSudden infant death syndromeSuicideSunburnSupraventricular tachycardiaSyphilis

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