Scabies is a contagious skin disease. After initial exposure to scabies, symptoms can take 2–8 weeks to appear. However, they usually develop more quickly in people who have had scabies before, often within 1–4 days of exposure.
Typical symptoms of scabies include a rash and intense itching, which is worse at night. The rash can include: small bites, hives, and bumps under the skin.
Common locations for scabies include: wrists (along the inside), elbows, armpits, penis, buttocks, the area between the fingers, around the waist, soles of the feet, chest, around the nipples, around the navel, and the groin area.
In children, scabies often appears on the: fingers, face, scalp and neck, palms, and soles of the feet.
In its early stages, scabies can be mistaken for other skin conditions because the symptoms are quite similar. The difference between scabies and other skin diseases is the persistent itching. Itching is often most severe in children and the elderly.
Another characteristic sign of scabies is the appearance of burrow-like tracks on the skin. These tracks are usually grayish-white or skin-colored. They are created when female mites burrow just beneath the skin's surface. After burrowing, each female mite lays about 10–25 eggs inside.
Scabies is highly contagious. Prolonged skin-to-skin contact, such as holding hands, sexual intercourse, or sharing clothes, bedding, or towels with an infected person, increases the risk of transmission.
In rare cases, bacterial infections in scabies sores can cause serious complications, such as chronic kidney disease, sepsis (a bacterial infection in the bloodstream), and heart disease.
A doctor can diagnose scabies by performing a physical exam and checking the affected skin area. Other tests can also help with diagnosis, including a tissue biopsy and ink tests to highlight the mite burrows.
Treatment for scabies usually involves eliminating the mites with prescription ointments, creams, topical medications, and oral medications.
To prevent scabies, individuals should maintain a clean living space and regularly wash personal items, clothes, and bedding to eliminate parasites. Limiting the sharing of personal belongings with others is also crucial. Isolating oneself when infected prevents spreading scabies to others.
Bao Bao (Theo Healthline, Mayo Clinic)
