Scabies is a common skin infection that causes small but extremely itchy bumps and blisters due to tiny mites that burrow into the top layer of human skin to lay their eggs. It is highly contagious and can be spread by scratching, picking up the mites under the fingernails and simply touching another person's skin. The parasite can survive up to 14 days away from a host, but often do not survive longer than two or three days away from human skin. Symptoms may be similar to that of an allergic reaction. See a doctor if you have come into contact with someone who has scabies. To get rid of the mites, cleaning the environment by treating affected furniture and bedding, vacuuming floors, carpets, and rugs; disinfecting floor and bathroom surfaces by mopping with hot water, and cleaning the shower/bath tub after each use. Recently worn clothes, towels and bedding should be washed in hot water, drying in a hot dryer and steam ironing.