Scabies describes a parasitic infestation of the skin. It occurs when you come in contact with Sarcoptes scabiei, a small skin mite. Scabies mites are invisible to the naked eye and can burrow beneath the skin, leading to a rash that looks like one or a cluster of pimples and causes significant itching. This will often occur on the wrist, armpit, elbows, finger webbing, nipples, waist, penis, and buttocks. You can get scabies by having close skin-to-skin contact with someone who is infected.
How Does Scabies Spread?
Scabies can spread in a crowded environment where there is a lot of physical contact, such as institutions and care facilities. The contact that spreads scabies is usually prolonged contact and is often spread through adults by sexual contact. It can also be spread by sharing bedding, towels, and clothing with someone who has been infected.
Can Scabies Be Treated?
Symptoms of scabies may take four to six weeks to develop if you have never had it, and usually show up in just one to four days if you have been previously exposed. It can be easily treated with medication at any stage. If you have symptoms, consult with a healthcare provider to see if you have been infected.