Scabies is a highly communicable skin disease caused by the itch mite. Symptoms are papules, vesicles, pustules, burrows, and intense itching resulting in eczema. Scabies also known as "the itch" is an intensely itching rash caused by a tiny mite (bug) that lives in the skin. Since it is only 1/60th inch long, the scabies mite is almost impossible to see without magnification. It has become resistant to many of the standard applications such as Malathion and Permethrin and it is now sometimes necessary to use older treatments such as benzyl benzoate.



Scabies is caused by tiny mites, and it also can get it with ecezma, my son used to get it when he was younger, but as he got older his hygine has changed so he doesnt get it, you have to boil all sheets, bedding and towels dont use other peoples stuff, as there is a chance of cross infection.

Do not be disheartened, this is to be expected and does not mean that the treatment has failed. In the mean time you may find that an antihistamine tablet or medicine (either prescribed or bought over the counter) will reduce itching. Itch is often severe. Itchy skin tends to be in one area at first (often the hands), and then spreads to other parts of the body. The itch tends to be worse at night and after a hot bath.

A rash usually appears soon after the itch starts. It is typically a blotchy red rash that can appear anywhere on the body. It is often most obvious on the inside of the thighs, parts of the abdomen, and the ankles.

Mite tunnels (burrows) may be seen on the skin as fine, dark, or silvery lines about 2-10 mm long. Chronic cases when itch returns in every spring; burning in food pipe Acid Sulph.30X, 4 hourly. Itch of genital organs; numbness of skin; numbness of arms Ambra Gra 30X 4 hourly. Itching; small reddish eruptions; worse by cold and after rest Rhus Tox 30X 4 hourly. Chronic cases; itching and soreness; intercurrent remedy Psorinum 30X and above 4 hourly. Pustular, painful eruptions; sensitive to touch; chilly patient Hepar Sulph 30X, 4 hourly

You should see little tiny tracks where the parasite is boring in. And they tend to gather around things like your waist, where clothing is held tightly, although they can also spread all over. You can't stop them from coming if they're there and causing itching already. There is a prescription medication you get from the doctor that is a lotion you apply, just once, leave on for a specified time, then wash off. You would also need to wash all your clothes and bed linens. The most common source for them is any public place like a bus or schoolroom or restaurant, anywhere there is a lot of movement in and out of a large number of people. You can't tell by looking, so you just have to treat it when you get it.

Scabies, or mange as it is called when it affects dogs, can be caused by 2 different kinds of mites - sarcoptic or demodectic. Both types are chiefly afected by the immune system of the animal in question.

People with weakened immune systems and the elderly are at risk for a more severe form of scabies, called Norwegian or crusted scabies. Once away from the human body, mites do not survive more than 48-72 hours. When living on a person, an adult female mite can live up to a month. Itching may continue for 2-3 weeks, and does not mean that you are still infested. Your health care provider may prescribe additional medication to relieve itching if it is severe. No new burrows or rashes should appear 24-48 hours after effective treatment.