What Are the Symptoms of Scabies?
Scabies, caused by the Sarcoptes scabiei parasite, is a contagious disease. It can affect anyone. Scabies is not related to personal hygiene; it can be transmitted to anyone, regardless of cleanliness. Its incidence increases in crowded living spaces such as homes and schools. The female parasite, which is much larger than the male, causes scabies. Scabies mites transmitted from animals do not survive on human skin for more than a few days. Scabies is transmitted from an infected person to another through close contact. The incubation period is a few weeks.
The scabies mite burrows under the skin, creating tunnels and laying eggs, which causes severe itching in the person. The itchy areas become inflamed. In adults, it typically settles on the hands, between the fingers, chest, buttocks, abdomen, and underarms. In children, it can affect the ears and face. Early signs of scabies include itchy, transparent blisters on the genital area. It has symptoms similar to sexually transmitted diseases like syphilis and chancroid.
Scabies causes itchy rashes on the skin. The itching is so intense that it can wake the infected person from sleep at night. Zigzag or 'S'-shaped lines are visible on the skin surface.
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