Where Did Scabies Mites Originate?
No one knows where the mite that causes scabies originated. Scabies is an affliction that dates to ancient times. Many forms of scabies mites exist. These parasitic mites burrow beneath the host's skin, and anyone can be afflicted by them. Under normal circumstances, the mite is killed easily, and healing then can begin.
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The Origin of Scabies
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While there are no clear and definite origins, scabies is recorded in the Bible as far back as 2,500 years ago and in Norway in 1852. The scabies that the patients suffered in Norway are known historically as Norwegian scabies.
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Ancient and Biblical References
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In the book of Leviticus, scabies-like symptoms are described. Paintings from ancient Egypt also depict the scabies mite. Aristotle (384 to 322 B.C.) also spoke of scabies.
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Giovan Cosimo Bonomo
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Giovan Cosimo Bonomo (1663 to 1696) spoke in detail of scabies. He described the mite with great clarity, even down to having seen a female laying her tiny egg.
Historic Identification
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Much like today, historically scabies was looked at under a microscope. It was easy enough to see the small mite when enlarged by the magnification of the implement.
Types
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Norwegian scabies, infant scabies, animal scabies, nodular scabies, scabies bullosa, sexually transmitted scabies, scabies ide, pompholyx, clean man's scabies and scabies incognito are all different types of scabies.
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References
- Photo Credit Image by Flickr.com, courtesy of Wonderlane
