Scabies: What is scabies?

Scabies is a condition of the skin caused by microscopic mites that burrow into the skin, causing an allergic reaction.

The human parasite, Scarocoptes scabiei, has afflicted man for at least 2,500 years.   It is a tiny skin mite, often hard to detect.  Dermatologists estimate that more than 300 million cases of scabies occur worldwide each year. 

Human scabies is almost always contracted from another person.  It could be a child, a friend or another family member.

The earliest and most common symptom of scabies is itching, particularly at night, and often uncontrollably.  An early scabies rash appears as tiny red bumps or pimples.  In more advanced cases, the skin may become scaly or crusty. 

Scabies is quick and easy to treat.  Permethrin, a synthetic insecticide, is applied to the entire body at bedtime and washed off the next morning.  It is effective in over 90% of cases.

For more information about scabies and its treatment, click on the link below:
http://www.aad.org/pamphlets

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