Scabies is a highly contagious skin infection that is caused by a microscopic mite known as Sarcoptes scabiei. The mite burrows into the skin, where it lays eggs and causes intense itching and rash. Scabies can affect people of all ages and backgrounds, and it is especially common in crowded living conditions such as nursing homes, schools, and prisons.

Causes:

Scabies is caused by close contact with an infected person or by sharing clothing or bedding with someone who is infected. The mite can survive for several days on clothing, bedding, and other objects, making it easy to spread from person to person.

Symptoms:

The most common symptoms of scabies are intense itching and a rash. The rash typically appears as small, raised bumps or blisters on the skin, often in a linear or zigzag pattern. The itching is often worse at night and can be severe enough to interfere with sleep. In some cases, people with scabies may also develop sores or crusts on the skin, which can become infected.

Diagnosis:

A doctor can usually diagnose scabies based on the appearance of the rash and by taking a skin scraping to look for the presence of the mites or their eggs. In some cases, a biopsy may be necessary to confirm the diagnosis.

Treatment:

Scabies is typically treated with prescription medications, such as topical creams or oral medications, that kill the mites and their eggs. It is important to follow the treatment instructions carefully and to continue treatment for the full course, even if the symptoms improve. Clothing, bedding, and other items that may have come into contact with the mites should be washed in hot water and dried on high heat to kill any remaining mites.

Prevention:

The best way to prevent scabies is to avoid close contact with infected individuals and to avoid sharing clothing, bedding, or other personal items. If you suspect that you have been exposed to scabies, it is important to seek medical attention promptly to prevent the spread of the infection to others.

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Scabies is a skin condition caused by a tiny mite called Sarcoptes scabiei. The mite burrows into the skin, causing an itchy rash and small blisters. Scabies is highly contagious and can be easily transmitted through skin-to-skin contact or sharing of clothing and bedding. Here is more information on causes, symptoms, diagnosis, and treatment of scabies:

Scabies is caused by an infestation of the Sarcoptes scabiei mite. The mite burrows into the skin and lays eggs, which hatch and continue the infestation. Scabies is highly contagious and can be easily transmitted through close contact with an infected person or through sharing of clothing, towels, and bedding.

The most common symptom of scabies is intense itching, particularly at night. The itching is caused by an allergic reaction to the mites and their waste. Other symptoms may include:

Small red bumps or blisters on the skin

Scales or crusts on the skin

Thin, pencil-like lines on the skin where the mites have burrowed

Sores caused by scratching

A doctor can diagnose scabies by examining the affected skin and looking for signs of the mite or its burrows. In some cases, a skin scraping may be taken to confirm the presence of the mite.

Scabies is a highly contagious skin infection caused by a microscopic mite. The most common symptoms are intense itching and a rash, which can be treated with prescription medications. Prevention is key to avoiding the spread of scabies, and it is important to seek medical attention promptly if you suspect that you may have been exposed to the infection.

Scabies is a highly contagious skin condition caused by a tiny mite. It is typically treated with a topical cream or lotion that contains a medication called permethrin. The cream is applied all over the body from the neck down and left on for at least 8 hours before being washed off. In some cases, oral medication may also be prescribed. It is also important to wash all clothing, bedding, and towels in hot water and dry them on high heat to kill any mites that may be present. It is important to seek medical treatment if you suspect you may have scabies to prevent the spread of the infection to others.