Updated July 20, 2026
Although eczema and scabies can look similar, it’s important to be able to tell them apart as they are two different conditions. Perhaps the most important difference between them is that scabies is highly contagious while eczema is not. Read on to learn more about eczema vs scabies.
What is Eczema?
Eczema is a chronic condition that typically begins in childhood. It is characterized by patches of red, dry, and extremely itchy rashes. This is caused by a damaged skin barrier that has trouble retaining moisture. Although eczema can develop anywhere on the body, prime spots include creases of elbows, and behind-the-knees. Eczema affects approximately 10% of the population and is usually a life-long condition. Symptoms usually go through periods of varying degrees of intensity.
Learn more about eczema in our guide Eczema 101: What Is Eczema?
What is Scabies?
Scabies is a contagious skin condition that affects millions of people every year of all backgrounds, ages, and socioeconomic status. It appears as a red rash with pimple-like bumps or blisters. While the rash can develop anywhere on the body, it’s commonly found on arms and hands. Skin may also appear scaly and intense scratching can lead to soreness. Scabies symptoms usually take 4-6 weeks to present. Because scabies can be spread through skin to skin contact, it’s important to identify the condition as early as possible to prevent it from spreading. Unlike eczema, scabies can be treated and cured and is not usually ongoing.
Because eczema and scabies can resemble other skin conditions, appearance alone may not be enough to tell them apart. Contact a healthcare professional if you suspect scabies, the rash is spreading among household members, or you are unsure what is causing your symptoms.
What Causes Eczema?
The exact cause of eczema is unknown but research suggests it is linked to genetic and environmental factors. Common irritants that can trigger eczema include airborne allergies (dust, dampness, housemites, molds), fabric and chemical irritants (wool, polyester, soaps, detergent for sensitive skin), extreme weather conditions, stress, sweat, and even the food you eat.
What Causes Scabies?
Scabies is caused by an infestation of a mite that lays eggs and lives within the first layer of skin. You may notice what appears to be a tiny path in your skin. This is where the female mites are burrowing. Because scabies is contagious, it spreads through close physical contact or by sharing clothing, towels, bedding, and any furniture that is infested with mites.
Dyshidrotic Eczema vs Scabies
Dyshidrotic eczema is a type of eczema which can resemble scabies. Both dyshidrotic eczema and scabies can both cause intense itching and small blisters or bumps, especially on the hands. However, they have different causes and tend to appear in different patterns.
Dyshidrotic eczema, also called pompholyx, typically causes clusters of small, deep, fluid-filled blisters along the sides of the fingers, palms of the hands or soles of the feet. The skin may feel itchy or painful and can become dry, cracked or flaky as the blisters heal. Unlike scabies, dyshidrotic eczema is not contagious.
Scabies often causes small, pimple-like bumps and intense itching that may be worse at night. Thin, raised or winding lines called burrows may also appear where mites have tunnelled beneath the skin. Common locations include between the fingers, around the wrists and in other skin folds. Because scabies is contagious, similar symptoms may develop in family members or others who have had prolonged skin-to-skin contact.
These conditions can be difficult to distinguish by appearance alone. Contact a healthcare professional if you suspect scabies, your symptoms are spreading or other household members have developed an itchy rash.
Difference in Symptoms
| Feature | Dyshidrotic Eczema | Scabies |
|---|---|---|
| Cause | An inflammatory form of eczema | An infestation caused by scabies mites |
| Contagious? | No | Yes |
| Appearance | Clusters of tiny, deep, fluid-filled blisters | Small, pimple-like bumps, sometimes with thin or winding burrow lines |
| Common locations | Sides of the fingers, palms and soles of the feet | Between the fingers, wrists, elbows, armpits, waist and other skin folds |
| Itching | Often intense and may begin before blisters appear | Frequently intense and noticeably worse at night |
| How it develops | May flare in response to stress, sweating, allergens or skin irritation | Usually develops after prolonged skin-to-skin contact with someone who has scabies |
| Other clues | Skin may peel, crack or become sore as blisters heal | Other household members or close contacts may also develop itching |
| Treatment | Skin-barrier care, trigger management and treatments recommended by a healthcare professional | Scabies-specific medication and management of close contacts and the home environment |
How Treatment Differs for Eczema and Scabies
Although eczema and scabies can look similar, they require different treatment. Eczema care focuses on calming inflammation, strengthening the skin barrier and identifying personal triggers. Scabies treatment must eliminate the mites responsible for the infestation.
Treating Eczema
Eczema treatment depends on the type and severity of the condition. A gentle daily routine may include moisturizing regularly, bathing with lukewarm water, choosing fragrance-free skincare products and avoiding known triggers.
Soft, breathable clothing and eczema-friendly wet wraps may also help protect irritated skin and reduce damage from scratching. A healthcare professional may recommend topical or other medical treatments when additional support is needed. Because eczema affects everyone differently, finding the right routine often takes some trial and adjustment.
Looking for more information on treating eczema naturally? Try these resources for inspiration:
Our Founder's Eczema Healing Journey
Eczema 103: Healing Eczema From Within
Eczema 104: How to Treat Eczema Naturally
Or shop our collections for these body areas where Dyshidrotic Eczema is commonly found:
Treating Scabies
Scabies requires medication designed to kill scabies mites. A healthcare professional can confirm the diagnosis and recommend the appropriate topical or oral treatment. Close household contacts may also need treatment, even when they do not yet have symptoms, to help prevent reinfestation.
Follow all treatment and cleaning instructions carefully. Itching can continue for several weeks after successful treatment because the skin may continue reacting to the mites and their debris. However, new burrows, new bumps or itching that persists beyond the expected recovery period should be discussed with a healthcare professional.
Moisturizers and gentle skincare may help soothe dryness or irritation after scabies treatment, but they do not kill mites or cure the infestation.
References:
https://www.healthline.com/health/scabies-vs-eczema
