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Complications
By Mayo Clinic staffVigorous scratching can break your skin and allow a secondary bacterial infection such as impetigo to occur. Impetigo is a superficial infection of the skin that's caused most often by staph (staphylococci) bacteria or occasionally by strep (streptococci) bacteria.
Scabies can become a persistent and widespread problem in certain groups of people, especially those with weakened immune systems, such as people with HIV or chronic leukemia. Scabies can also be a problem for those who are very ill, such as people in hospitals or nursing facilities. A more severe form of scabies may develop called crusted scabies. This type tends to be crusty and scaly, and covers large areas of the body. It's very contagious and can be hard to treat.
