A contagious skin infestation caused by the microscopic mite known as Sarcoptes scabiei.
Scabies is a highly contagious skin infestation caused by the microscopic mite Sarcoptes scabiei. These mites burrow into the upper layers of the skin to lay eggs, leading to intense itching and a characteristic rash. Scabies spreads easily through close, prolonged skin-to-skin contact and can affect people of all ages.
Causes of Scabies
Scabies occurs when the Sarcoptes scabiei mite infests the skin. These mites are extremely small and not usually visible to the naked eye. Common ways scabies spreads include:
Close Skin-to-Skin Contact
- The most common form of transmission.
- Occurs through prolonged physical contact, such as during sexual activity, sharing a bed, cuddling, or close household interactions.
Sharing Personal Items
- Although less common, scabies can spread through shared items such as clothing, towels, or bedding contaminated with mites.
Crowded Environments
- Nursing homes, schools, and shelters can facilitate rapid spread due to close contact and shared spaces.
Scabies frequently affects:
- Between the fingers
- Wrists and elbows
- Armpits
- Around the waist
- Buttocks and genitals
- In children or elderly: scalp, neck, palms, and soles
Symptoms of Scabies
Common symptoms include:
Intense Itching
- The most prominent symptom.
- Often worse at night due to increased skin sensitivity and mite activity.
Rash
- Small red bumps or pimple-like lesions.
- Often arranged in clusters or a wavy pattern due to mite burrows.
Visible Burrows
- Thin, raised, reddish or greyish-white lines on the skin.
- Commonly seen between the fingers, wrists, elbows, waistline, or genital area.
Sores and Crusting
- Scratching can cause open sores or crusts.
- Secondary bacterial infection may occur if the skin is broken.
Skin Irritation and Swelling
- Inflammation and irritation occur as the immune system reacts to the mites, eggs, and waste.
Management and Treatment
Scabies requires medical treatment. Typical management includes:
- Prescription topical medications (e.g., permethrin cream) to kill mites and eggs.
- Oral medications in severe or resistant cases.
- Treating all close contacts at the same time to prevent reinfestation.
- Washing clothing, bedding, and towels in hot water and drying on high heat.
- Avoiding close physical contact until treatment is complete.
If you suspect scabies or notice symptoms, it’s important to seek medical attention promptly for proper diagnosis and treatment.
