Scabies is a condition caused bySarcoptes scabiei,a mite.
It is characterized by an itchy sensation that may or may not be accompanied by a rash.
In fact, it is estimated that at least 300 million cases of scabies occur worldwide every year.
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The itching is normally present all the time but is often more noticeable at night.
You might develop skin cuts and scratch marks as the result of repeatedly scratching your itchy skin.
Giving someone a quick hug or a handshake does not usually put you at risk.
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Nevertheless, while it is not common, infested bedding or clothes may cause a new infection.
The parasitic mite is tiny, typically too small to be seen with the naked eye.
The female mite burrows under the skin and lays 10 to 25 eggs before she dies.
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The eggs hatch three days later and the larvae move to the surface of the skin.
The larvae mature into adults in 10 to 14 days.
In some cases, a biopsy may be performed.
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The Rash
Therashthat scabies causes can often look similar to other rashes.
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Often, however, the mite and the eggs are not visualized, even if a person has scabies.
Some advanced microscopic techniques may improve the sensitivity of diagnosis.
Treatment
The followingtreatmentoptions can help get rid of scabies rash.
Often, entire households are treated even if only one person has scabies.
If your healthcare provider recommends treating your whole family, everyone should receive treatment at the same time.
Very high temperature destroys the mite, preventing it from spreading.
A Word From Verywell
If you have scabies, the itching and rash can be intensely uncomfortable.
There can be a stigma associated with scabies, as many are unaware of exactly how it is caused.
Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.About scabies.
Harvard Health Publishing.How to identify scabies a contagious and uncomfortable skin condition sparked by mites.
2016;61(6):583-587. doi:10.4103/0019-5154.193659
Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.Clinical care of scabies.
Arlian LG, Morgan MS.A review of Sarcoptes scabiei: Past, present and future.Parasites Vectors.
Vinetz JM, ed.PLoS Negl Trop Dis.
2016;10(6):e0004691.
