OVERVIEW

Scabies is an infestation of the skin by the human itch mite (Sarcoptes scabiei). The mites are very small (less than 1/3 millimeter) and are barely visible to the naked eye. They burrow into the skin and lay eggs. The eggs hatch and the resulting mites burrow their way out of the skin to the surface, where they mature and mate.

The symptoms of scabies include intense itching and a rash. The itching is caused by an allergic reaction to the mites and their waste products. The rash is caused by the mites burrowing into the skin. Scabies is most commonly found on the hands, wrists, feet, and ankles.

Scabies is treated with topical pesticides. These pesticides kill the mites and their eggs.

SYMPTOMS

The signs and symptoms of scabies rash may include the following:

• Itching
• Between the fingers and toes.
• In the armpits.
• Along the insides of the wrists.
• Around the nipples.
• Around the belly button.
• Around the genitals.

CAUSES

Scabies is caused by a tiny, eight-legged mite. The female mite burrows just under the skin and makes a tunnel where it lays eggs.

The eggs hatch, and the mite larvae travel to the surface of the skin, where they mature. These mites can then spread to other areas of the skin or to the skin of other people. Itching is caused by the body’s allergic reaction to the mites, their eggs and their waste.

Close skin-to-skin contact and, less often, sharing clothing or bedding with a person who has scabies can spread the mites.

Pets don’t spread scabies to humans. The scabies mites that affect animals don’t survive or reproduce in people.

TREATMENT

Available treatments we offer, includes but not limited to:

• Topical anti-mite cream (Permethrin).
• Oral anti-mite medication (Ivermectin).