Female mites also lay eggs there.
This itching is the earliest and most commonsymptom of scabies.
Skin thats covered by jewelry, such as watches, bracelets, or rings, is also often affected.
(1) Scabies rashes in infants and young children might appear redder or include larger blisters.
(5)
What Does Scabies Look Like?
Not everyone infested with mites has a scabies rash, but many people do.
An infestation of human itch mites causes the skin to react in a scabies rash.
These arent scabies bites so much as an allergic reaction the skin has to the presence of the mites.
This reaction can also resemble other rashes, but your doctor or dermatologist can determine whether its scabies.
Some people infested with the mites have scaly patches that look like eczema.
Without medical treatment, the condition persists because the mites lay eggs, causing continued infestation.
Its much less common than regular scabies, but more contagious.
Most people who get scabies have about 10 to 15 mites in their skin.
Thick, grayish crusts develop that tend to crumble easily when touched.
(4) But these crusts, filled with mites, can also fall off.
In adults, scabies is often spread through sexual encounters.
(1) And its easily spread within households.
Less commonly, scabies can occur through contact with an infested item.
This kind of indirect infection more frequently occurs in people who have crusted scabies.
(1)
Scabies are not spread to people from pets.
Pets can become infested with animal mites, and these can be passed along to humans.
(1) Its important to treat your pets, though, if they acquire mites.
Getting scabies from swimming in a pool is extremely unlikely.
How Is Scabies Diagnosed?
A doctor will perform a visual exam to look for the scabies rash on your body and for burrows.
(8)
Prognosis of Scabies
With proper treatment that kills the mites, scabies goes away.
Still, its a contagious infection and can be contracted again.
Duration of Scabies
Scabies subsides once the mites have been killed.
Once treatment starts, this typically takes a week.
Treatment and Medication Options for Scabies
Successful treatment of scabies means eradicating the mites.
This involves using a medication known as a scabicide.
While some over-the-counter creams and products can help reduce or alleviate symptoms like itching, they wont kill mites.
Scabicides are currently only available by prescription.
Permethrin (Elimite) cream is the most commonly prescribed.
(11)
Adults can usually go back to work and children to school the day after treatment.
(10) When you start treatment, vacuum your home, too.
(10) Since human itch mites dont survive on animals, your pet doesnt need to be treated.
(16)
Complications of Scabies
A scabies infestation can lead to complications when secondary infections develop.
If bacteria enters the bloodstream, it can result in life-threatening sepsis.
Inflammation of the kidneys can also be due to the same bacteria as impetigo.
(3,17)
Research and Statistics: Who Has Scabies?
Some people, though, are particularly susceptible to scabies.
(1) Environments such as childcare centers and camps are also at risk for outbreaks.
(5)
Resources We Trust
Mohiba Tareen, MD, is a nationally acclaimed board-certified dermatologist.
She practices medical, surgical, and cosmetic dermatology at her Minnesota medical practice, Tareen Dermatology.
Cosmetically, Tareen believes in subtle and natural aesthetic enhancements.
Deborah Shapiro is a writer and editor, with over 20 years of experience in print and digital media.
She has worked atNew Yorkmagazine,Elle, andSELF, where she focused on health coverage.
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