Scabies

what is scabies?

Scabies is not an infection, but an infestation. Tiny mites called, Sarcoptes scabiei, reside in the outer layers of human skin. As the mites burrow and lay eggs inside the skin, the infestation leads to relentless itching and an aggressive rash.

scabies symptoms

When a person is infested with scabies for the first time, it can take four to six weeks for the skin to react. The most common symptoms are:

• Intense itching, especially at night
• A pimple-like rash
• Scales or blisters
• Sores caused by scratching
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where do scabies appear?

Scabies mites can live anywhere on the body, but the most common spots include:

• Between the fingers
• The folds of the wrist, elbow, or knee
• Around the waistline and navel
• On the breasts or genitals
• The head, neck, face, palms, and soles in young children