Scabies

What is Scabies

Scabies is a common dermatitis caused by infestation with Sarcoptes scabiei. Dermatologists estimate that more than 300 million cases of scabies occur worldwide every year. The entire family may be affected. Skin lesions are scattered groups of pruritic vesicles and pustules in "runs" or "burrows" on the sides of the fingers, palms, wrists, elbows, axillae, as well as around the waist and groin. Itching occurs almost exclusively at night. Microscopic examination of a scraping will reveal scabies mites, ova, and feces.

Scabies can affect anyone regardless of age, gender, or personal hygiene. It does not select only those with low-income or poor housing conditions. Scabies mites can hide under the fingernails. Use a toothpick or old toothbrush to apply beneath the fingernails and toenails.

Scabies Symptoms

The earliest and most common symptom of scabies is itching, particularly at night.

Your skin may show small insect-type bites on it, or the lesions may look like pimples. It may also be red and crusty due to scratching of the area. A burrow (a short S-shaped track that indicates the mite's movement under the skin) may also be visible.

Scabies frequently occurs in the cracklike areas of the body such as between the fingers or toes, the buttocks, the elbows, the waist area, the genital area, or under the breasts in women.