Scabies ICD 10: Classification, Symptoms, and Treatment

Scabies is a common skin condition caused by tiny mites called Sarcoptes scabiei. These mites burrow into the skin, causing intense itching and a rash. The condition is contagious and spreads through close physical contact. Understanding scabies ICD 10 is crucial for accurate diagnosis and treatment.

The ICD-10, or International Classification of Diseases, 10th Revision, helps doctors and healthcare providers code diseases correctly. Using the correct scabies ICD 10 code ensures proper documentation and billing. It also helps track outbreaks and manage patient records more effectively.

This article covers everything you need to know about scabies ICD 10. You will learn how scabies is classified under ICD-10, common symptoms, and available treatments. The article also explains the different types of scabies and their codes under ICD-10. This information can help both medical professionals and patients understand the disease better.

We also include easy-to-read charts and tables that show how scabies is coded. These visuals will help you quickly compare the symptoms and treatments for different forms of scabies. Whether you are a healthcare provider or someone dealing with the condition, this guide will be helpful.

Keep reading to learn more about scabies ICD 10, its classification system, signs to watch for, and how to treat the condition effectively.

Scabies is a contagious skin infestation caused by tiny mites called Sarcoptes scabiei. These mites burrow into the top layer of the skin, laying eggs and triggering an allergic reaction. This causes severe itching, especially at night, and a pimple-like rash.

Scabies spreads easily through direct skin-to-skin contact. It can also be passed by sharing clothing, towels, or bedding with an infected person. Because of its high contagion rate, outbreaks often occur in places with close contact, such as nursing homes, schools, and shelters.

Risk of getting scabies

Certain people are at higher risk of getting scabies. These include individuals with weak immune systems, such as the elderly, young children, or people with chronic illnesses. Crowded living conditions and poor hygiene also increase the chances of infection.

Proper diagnosis is key to effective treatment. Misdiagnosis can lead to prolonged discomfort and spread to others. This is where scabies ICD 10 coding becomes essential. ICD-10 helps doctors record, track, and treat scabies correctly. Using the right scabies ICD 10 code ensures that patients receive the correct care and that cases are properly documented in health records.

Understanding scabies ICD 10 also helps in public health monitoring and controlling outbreaks. Accurate coding supports better healthcare planning and resource allocation. In short, knowing how to diagnose and code scabies correctly protects both individuals and communities.

Scabies ICD 10 Classification

Understanding the scabies ICD 10 classification helps ensure accurate diagnosis, treatment, and record-keeping. The ICD-10 (International Classification of Diseases, 10th Revision) is a coding system used globally by healthcare providers to classify diseases. Scabies is included under the parasitic diseases section of the ICD-10 manual.

2.1 ICD-10 Code for Scabies

The primary ICD-10 code for scabies is B86. This code is used for general cases of human scabies caused by the Sarcoptes scabiei mite. The code B86 is listed under Chapter I of the ICD-10, which covers certain infectious and parasitic diseases. This classification helps doctors and medical coders document the condition correctly in health records.

2.2 Related ICD-10 Codes

In some cases, scabies may present in more severe or complicated forms. The ICD-10 offers additional codes to reflect these variations:

ICD-10 Code	Description
B86.0	Scabies with complications (e.g., infection)
B86.1	Norwegian (crusted) scabies (severe form)
B86.9	Scabies, unspecified

These related codes allow healthcare professionals to record specific types of scabies more accurately. For instance, B86.1 is used when diagnosing Norwegian scabies, a severe form that mainly affects people with weakened immune systems.

2.3 Importance of Accurate Coding

Accurate scabies ICD 10 coding is crucial for many reasons:

• It ensures correct billing and insurance claims.
• It helps track and manage outbreaks in hospitals, schools, and other healthcare settings.
• It supports public health data collection and helps authorities monitor disease patterns.

Proper coding also reduces the risk of treatment delays or errors. By using the correct scabies ICD 10 codes, healthcare providers can offer better care and improve patient outcomes.

Symptoms of Scabies

Recognizing the symptoms of scabies early is important for quick treatment and preventing the spread. Whether mild or severe, scabies can cause intense discomfort. Knowing what to look for can help you decide when to seek medical care and ensure proper diagnosis using the correct scabies ICD 10 code.

3.1 Common Signs

The most noticeable symptom of scabies is intense itching, especially at night. The itching occurs as a result of the immune system reacting to the mites, their eggs, and waste.

Other common signs include:

• Pimple-like rash: Red, raised bumps that may form blisters.
• Burrow lines: Thin, grayish-white, wavy lines on the skin where mites have tunneled.
• Sores from scratching: Persistent scratching can cause open wounds, which may get infected.

These symptoms usually appear between the fingers, wrists, elbows, armpits, waistline, and around the genitals. In children, the rash may also affect the scalp and face.

3.2 Severe Cases (Norwegian Scabies)

In some cases, people develop Norwegian scabies, also known as crusted scabies. This is a more serious form of the condition.

Symptoms include:

• Thick crusts on the skin filled with thousands of mites.
• Scaly, grayish patches that may appear on the hands, feet, and scalp.
• Minimal itching in some cases, despite the high mite count.

This form is highly contagious and commonly affects the elderly or people with weakened immune systems. Due to the large number of mites, treatment is more challenging and must be aggressive.

3.3 When to See a Doctor

You should consult a healthcare provider if:

• Itching continues for more than two weeks.
• The rash spreads rapidly or shows signs of infection like pus or swelling.
• Family members or close contacts start showing similar symptoms.

Early diagnosis helps prevent the condition from worsening and spreading. It also ensures the correct use of scabies ICD 10 coding, which supports better treatment and follow-up care.

Diagnosis of Scabies

Proper diagnosis of scabies is essential for effective treatment and preventing its spread. A combination of clinical observation and lab testing is often used. Accurate diagnosis also ensures correct scabies ICD 10 coding, which is important for medical records and insurance.

4.1 Clinical Examination

Doctors usually begin with a physical examination. They look for classic signs such as burrow lines, red rashes, and sores from scratching. Common areas checked include:

• Between the fingers
• Wrists and elbows
• Waistline and genital area

The distribution and appearance of the rash often help confirm a scabies diagnosis, especially when itching is intense and worse at night.

4.2 Lab Tests

If the visual exam is not conclusive, doctors may perform simple lab tests.

• Skin scraping: A sample of skin is scraped and viewed under a microscope to detect mites, eggs, or waste.
• Ink test: Ink is applied to the skin to highlight the burrows, making them easier to see.

These tests are useful in confirming the presence of mites, especially in early or mild cases where the signs may not be clear.

4.3 Differential Diagnosis

Several skin conditions can mimic scabies, such as:

• Eczema
• Contact dermatitis
• Allergic reactions

Misdiagnosis can delay proper treatment and lead to further spread. That’s why precise scabies ICD 10 coding is important. It ensures correct classification and helps guide the right course of treatment while supporting accurate medical documentation.

Effective treatment for scabies involves killing the mites and managing symptoms like itching and inflammation. It’s also important to treat close contacts and take preventive steps to stop reinfection. Using the correct scabies ICD 10 code during diagnosis ensures that treatment is properly documented and managed.

5.1 Prescription Medications

The most common and effective treatment for scabies is permethrin cream. This topical medication is applied from the neck down and left on for 8–14 hours before washing off. It usually kills the mites with one or two applications.

For severe or crusted scabies, doctors may prescribe ivermectin pills. This oral medication is especially helpful for treating Norwegian scabies, which involves a heavy mite infestation. In some cases, ivermectin is used along with permethrin for better results.

Antihistamines or anti-itch creams may be recommended to relieve the intense itching, especially at night. Although they do not kill mites, they help improve sleep and reduce discomfort during recovery.

5.2 Home Care & Prevention

To prevent reinfection and spreading scabies to others, follow these home care steps:

• Wash all clothing, bedding, and towels in hot water (at least 50°C or 122°F) and dry them on a hot cycle.
• Vacuum carpets, upholstered furniture, and mattresses thoroughly.
• Place non-washable items in a sealed plastic bag for at least 72 hours to kill mites.
• Avoid close skin-to-skin contact until the treatment is complete and symptoms have cleared.

All household members and close contacts should be treated at the same time, even if they show no symptoms. This step is essential to break the cycle of infestation.

5.3 Treating Complications

If scratching leads to secondary bacterial infections, doctors may prescribe antibiotics to treat skin infections like impetigo. These may be topical or oral, depending on the severity.

In cases of severe inflammation, steroid creams may be used to reduce redness, swelling, and itching. However, these are usually used after the mites have been killed to avoid masking the symptoms of active infestation.

Using proper scabies ICD 10 coding ensures that all aspects of treatment—medications, follow-up care, and complications—are accurately documented. This supports better care coordination and helps with insurance claims and medical tracking.

Prevention & Public Health Considerations

Preventing scabies requires both personal care and public health awareness. Since scabies spreads through close skin-to-skin contact, taking preventive steps can stop outbreaks before they begin.

One of the most important prevention methods is treating all close contacts of an infected person, even if they show no symptoms. This includes family members, sexual partners, and people living in the same household. Without this step, mites can continue to spread and cause reinfection.

To avoid scabies outbreaks in homes, schools, and care facilities:

• Avoid direct contact with infected individuals until treatment is complete.
• Wash bedding, clothing, and towels in hot water and dry them on high heat.
• Vacuum mattresses, carpets, and furniture thoroughly.
• Place unwashable items in a sealed bag for at least 72 hours.

Living environmentsIn

healthcare settings or group living environments, early detection is critical. Isolating infected individuals and beginning treatment right away can prevent large-scale outbreaks.

The use of scabies ICD 10 coding plays a key role in public health. Accurate coding helps doctors and health organizations track the number of cases, monitor outbreak patterns, and plan resources. It also supports proper medical reporting, insurance claims, and research.

In short, preventing scabies is a shared responsibility. By using the correct scabies ICD 10 codes and following prevention steps, both individuals and communities can stay protected.

Scabies is a common but highly contagious skin condition caused by microscopic mites. Key symptoms include intense itching, especially at night, along with a pimple-like rash and visible burrow lines. Accurate diagnosis is essential, and the use of the correct scabies ICD 10 code ensures proper treatment, billing, and public health tracking.

The primary ICD-10 code for scabies is B86, with additional codes like B86.0, B86.1, and B86.9 used for more specific cases. Treatment includes prescription medications such as permethrin cream and ivermectin pills, supported by home care and prevention steps to avoid reinfection.

Early diagnosis and accurate scabies ICD 10 coding help manage the condition effectively and prevent outbreaks. If you or someone close to you shows symptoms, it’s important to act quickly.

Consult a doctor if you suspect scabies. Prompt treatment protects you and those around you, while proper medical coding ensures better care and public health support.