What Do Scabies Symptoms Look Like?

Sarcoptes scabiei is the eight-legged itch mite that causes the skin condition known as scabies. This mite burrows under the upper layer of skin to deposit eggs and feces. The intense itching that this causes is the body's allergic reaction to the mite's proteins. While the parasite cannot be seen with the naked eye, the rash it causes is raised and pimple-like. This infection is noted for an itch that continues to get worse, making sleep virtually impossible.

How Scabies Are Contracted

An individual can become infected from contact with fabric, carpet or furniture harboring scabies. Person-to-person contact is the easiest way to be exposed to the mites. Symptoms begin to develop two to six weeks after exposure. For those previously affected, symptoms show up sooner. Scabies outbreaks regularly occur in child-care facilities, prisons and hospitals for the elderly.

Areas Where a Rash May Be Found

Scabies produce a bumpy rash by tunneling under the skin, but only in specific areas. This rash appears on the nipples, webbing of fingers, inner thighs, armpits, buttocks, elbows, wrists, penis and shoulder blades. The rash's unique web pattern is the best indicator that an individual has been affected.

Scabies on Children

Children will exhibit the web-like rash in areas different from adults. These rashes appear on the head, neck, soles of feet and face. While there may be many bumps, an individual typically carries 10 to 12 live scabies.

Itching

The skin infection is notoriously known for its nighttime itch. At first, it will be an annoyance. Gradually, the individual will find the itching robbing them of sleep. Different from allergic hives and other skin conditions, scabies will not subside until prescription medication is applied.

Treatment and Prevention

A prescription cream is required to treat scabies. Medications include permethrin and ivermectin. It usually takes a week before there is any relief. It is important to use the full prescription in order to kill hatching mites. Rid your home of scabies by vacuuming, bagging couch pillows and bedding for three days, washing sheets in hot water and wiping down all furniture.