The rashes have similar appearances, but the treatments are very different.
Both conditions can cause itching, red patches, and crusty, flaking skin.
And both are more common in children than in adults, but that is where the similarities end.
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Eczemais an inflammatory skin condition that has both environmental and genetic factors.
Although eczema might run in families, it is not contagious.
Symptoms
Both eczema and scabies cause itching.
Illustration by Theresa Chiechi for Verywell Health
Itchiness comes from an allergic reaction to the proteins and feces of mites.
In many cases, people with scabies will develop a rash that is red in appearance.
The rash can include pimples or pus spots and may progress to blisters.
Eczema Symptoms
The primarysymptoms of eczemaare dry, inflamed, and red skin.
The skin might appear scaly and may develop pus-filled blisters or areas that ooze.
Sometimes the skin can crack.
All of this causes itchiness and pain.
What Causes Scabies?
Scabies iscausedby mites that burrow under the skin.
Sexual exposure is not required.
Pets do not spread human scabies.
The condition is only passed from human to human or from fomites.
The medical community isn’t exactly surewhat causes eczema.
Because of this, allergens and irritants can cause the skin to become inflamed.
The doctor may perform a patch test to rule out other conditions.
A person can still be infested even if the mites, eggs, or fecal matter are not found.
So, while finding a mite can diagnose the condition, absence of a mite does not exclude it.
Treatment
Your treatment plan will vary based on whether your rash is scabies vs. eczema.
Treatment for Eczema
Thetreatment for eczemafocuses on minimizing symptoms.
If you have eczema, you should moisturize, keeping the skin moist by usingemollientscan help reduce itching.
How Do You Treat Scabies?
If you have scabies the only way toget rid of the rashis by prescription treatment.
Its important to follow your healthcare provider’s instructions.
Most often, scabies is treated with a skin cream that is applied from the neck down.
The cream is put on once at night and washed off in the morning.
Your healthcare provider might recommend repeating this treatment two weeks later if signs of scabies are still present.
In severe cases, a healthcare provider might also prescribe an oral antiparasitic medication called ivermectin.
Talk with your healthcare provider about whether this is necessary for your child.
Even with treatment, it can take up to four weeks for scabies to resolve.
If you are predisposed to eczema, youll likely deal with the condition throughout your life.
However, identifying your triggers and avoiding them can help you prevent additional flare-ups.
In addition, be sure to treat the entire family for scabies at the same time.
That way you could get treated promptly and avoid passing scabies to others.
A Word From Verywell
Rashes can be itchy, disrupting your sleep and making you miserable.
They can also be embarrassing when they cause red patches that affect how you feel about your appearance.
Sometimes one key in of rash may look like another.
It’s important to see a a doctor to diagnose your condition and provide proper treatment.
Frequently Asked Questions
Should you tell someone you have scabies?
Scabies passes quickly between people who are in close contact with one another.
Remember that there is nothing to be embarrassed about.
Can you self-diagnose scabies?
No, scabies is a highly infectious disease that should always be diagnosed by a healthcare provider.
American Academy of Dermatology Association.Scabies: signs and symptoms.
