Scabies - Info on Scabies Symptom, Causes & Treatment

Scabies is a form of allergic reaction or infestation of microscopic mites. These microscopic mites are clinically known as sarcoptes scabei or Norwegian scabies. Dermatologists estimate that more than 300 million cases of scabies occur worldwide every year. The condition can strike anyone of any race or age, regardless of personal hygiene.

Signs and symptoms of scabies

The earliest and most common symptom of scabies is itching, especially at night. Little red bumps like hives, tiny bites, or pimples appear. In more advanced cases, the skin may be crusty or scaly.

• Intense itchiness because of blistering and the allergic reaction of the skin to the mites.
• Tiny blisters and little red bumps especially in the folds like armpits, groin area, under the breast and even in between the webs of the fingers.
• Scaly and crusty skin may also appear on severe cases of scabies.

Causes of Scabies

Scabies do not respect social status.  The microscopic mite that causes scabies can barely be seen by the human eye. Being a tiny, eight-legged creature with a round body, the mite burrows in the skin. Within several weeks, the patient develops an allergic reaction causing severe itching; often intense enough to keep sufferers awake all night. This allergic infestation may happen to anyone and anywhere.

• The common cause of scabies is prolonged contact with a person who may be infested with these tiny mites.
• Healthy people may be infested but symptoms may not appear because the healthy body will be able to ward off the itchy mites.  People with low immune system may easily be infected by this allergy causing mites.
• Scabies outbreak commonly happens in nursing home and extended care facilities because these mites and their eggs may be transferred to other person around the home.