Can you tell me whether scabies is contagious? How is it passed from one individual to another? Scabies is caused by a little mite that burrows under the surface of the skin and causes intense itch and irritation. It is highly contagious – that means it is spread from person to person by direct physical contact. It tends to spread around communities like schools and residential homes. If one person in a family has it, the whole family should be treated with appropriate medicine to cure it. The NetDoctor Medical TeamOther Qs & As