Health Information Blog

Scabies, or Sarcoptes scabiei, is a medical condition caused by an intrusion of mites. These tiny arachnids infest the outer layer of the skin, causing their host a significant amount of discomfort. Females will chew through the skin and create a burrow to lay their eggs in, allowing the infestation to further proceed to other body parts.

Scabies can be spread by means of close person-to-person contact. Sexual contact and close hugging are common forms of transmission. It is a very rare occurrence for mites to be passed on by typical forms of contact (handshakes, touching clothing of a person with the mites, etc). A person with no previous exposure to scabies may go without knowing they have it for a couple of years, while other people recognize the signs and symptoms within four to six weeks after contraction. People with previous exposure will usually notice symptoms within two to four days after the condition is acquired.

A rash and pruritis, with increased severity at night, will develop after the mites infest the skin. Nodules, resembling pimples may develop in the shape of a letter s. The pruritis and rash are the result of an allergic reaction caused by irritation from the feces of the mites (rash) and from them traveling around on the skin (pruritis). The mites can be observed under a microscope or magnifying glass, but cannot be seen by the human eye. This is why it is important to get a check-up from a doctor to verify the infestation.

Scabies mites survive for an average of three to four weeks when on a human host, but for only twenty-four to thirty-six hours without a host. New larvae hatch between three and ten days, keeping the population of the mites growing at an uncontrollable rate.

Upon recognition of signs and symptoms, it is important to seek medical attention to confirm a diagnosis. Burrows are usually found in body crevices (between toes and fingers, under breasts, elbows, waist, buttocks, armpits, and genitals). If not treated promptly, other bacterial infections may evolve, including streptococci, cellulitis, staphylococci, or impetigo. These bacterial infections will weaken the immune system, making it harder to rid the mites from the body of the host.

Although scabies is not usually considered to be a serious illness, it is capable of producing a brutal attack on the elderly, people with inadequate nourishment, and those with a broken down immune system. A typical scabies infestation can quickly turn into Crusted/Norwegian scabies, a complete invasion of the body, except for the face. This form of the condition includes thickened scabs over the rashes, along with extreme itching and pain. A rigorous invasion of this sort is extremely difficult to treat because thousands of larvae are harboring in the crowded burrows. People with debilitated immune systems have weakened cytotoxic T cells, which are responsible for killing/eliminating diseased cells that make their way into the body (infection and bacteria). This permits the spread of the infection, allowing the mites to continue to multiply and spread.

A good prognosis is achievable for individuals that seek proper treatment. Prevention of the mites from spreading is the key to quick healing with minimal discomfort. The only way to prevent transmission of scabies is to stay away from anyone that might be suspected of having them. It is highly recommended that an infected person stays home and avoids contact with others to prevent transmission of the mites. Proper immediate medical treatment can be beneficial for not only the host, but for the family members and friends that may be at risk.

An infestation of mites under the skin causes scabies symptoms. The inflammation and itching is reason enough to search for a quick and simple scabies cure.