Scabies is a common skin infection caused by the Sarcoptes scabei mite (itch mite). Scabies affect people worldwide, without regards for age, sex, race social status, or personal hygiene.

Mites are difficult to see because they are about the size of the dot at the end of this sentence. They are white or clear, oval and flat.

Symptoms of scabies are caused by the body's response to the fecal matter left in the skin by the mites. It causes a rash that is extremely itchy and becomes worse during the night. Itching may also increase after exercise and warm baths. A person may develop sores from scratching, which can lead to a secondary skin infection.

Small wavy, threadlike lines appear on the skin where the mites have gone under the skin. These are most commonly found between the fingers, on the wrists spreading to elbows, knees, sides of feet, armpits, buttocks, and armpits.

Occasionally small red-brown bumps appear on covered parts of the body such as the armpits and groin.

The rash caused by scabies can resemble other skin conditions therefore it needs to be diagnosed by your health care provider. A skin scraping to check for mites, eggs, or fecal matter can help to diagnose a scabies infection.

Symptoms of scabies usually appear 4-6 weeks after being in close contact of a person with scabies if it is the first time someone has been infected. If the person had scabies in the past, symptoms can develop within 1-4 days.

Scabies is highly contagious. It is spread by prolonged direct skin to skin contact or sexual contact with an infected person. Scabies can survive off of the body for no more than 3 days, therefore sharing bedding, towels and clothing can be a source of infection if not washed.

Scabies can spread easily between children because of their close physical contact when playing.

If you suspect that you or your child has scabies, you should see your health care provider who will recommend a treatment. It is important to follow the product directions in order for treatment to be effective.

The cream is applied to the whole body including skin folds, fingernails, toenails, behind the ears and the groin. Mites can be found in all areas of the body therefore the face and scalp should also be treated. The cream kills mites, but itching may continue for 2-3 weeks. This does not mean that the treatment did not work.

• All household members and sexual contacts should be treated at the same time as the patient even if they do not have symptoms.
• All bedding and clothing worn next to the skin during the 3 days before treatment should be laundered in a hot cycle wash and hot drying cycle.
• If hot water is not available, store bedding and clothing away from the family for five to seven days. The mite does not survive beyond four days without skin contact.
• Health care workers who have close contact with scabies patients may require prophylactic treatment.
• Cleaning of surfaces, carpets, and common living areas is not a necessary step in treatment.

A person is contagious with scabies 4-6 weeks before the onset of symptoms, until the day after treatment. It is important to treat the infection before returning to work or school.