Scabies Consultation

What causes scabies?

Scabies mites burrow under the skin. They don’t jump or fly. They lay eggs in the skin. The eggs hatch and grow into adults. They then create new burrows over the next 1 to 2 weeks. The mites die in about 4 to 6 weeks. The rash and itching are caused by an allergic reaction to the mites’ saliva or feces.

Scabies mites are very contagious. They often spread from person to person while they are sleeping in the same bed, or during other close contact. Scabies should be treated quickly to keep the mites from spreading.

Who is at risk for scabies?

Scabies can affect people of all ages and social groups. It is common all over the world. Scabies happens mostly in children and young adults. It’s also more likely if you live in close quarters with other people, such as in a college dormitory or nursing home.

You are more at risk if you are in contact for at least 15 to 20 minutes with someone who has scabies. Scabies mites can pass from person to person through close physical contact. They can also be passed through shared clothing, towels, and bedding. Therefore proper instructions are to be followed after treatment to prevent scabies to reinfect you.

What are the symptoms of scabies?

It may take 2 to 6 weeks to develop symptoms of scabies after contact with an infected person. If you have had scabies before, the rash can appear in 1 to 4 days.

Symptoms can occur a bit differently in each person. They can include:

• Itching, usually severe and worse at night
• Rash with small pimples or red bumps
• Tiny lines on the skin surface, which are the mites’ burrows
• Sores on the body caused by scratching
• Scaly or crusty skin in severe cases

In adults, the rash appears on the hands, between the fingers, wrists, belt line, thighs, belly button, in the groin area, around the breasts, and in the armpits.

The symptoms of scabies can be like other health conditions. Make sure to see your healthcare provider for a diagnosis.