General Aspects about Scabies

Scabies is a very common condition and it can be developed by anyone. Scabies is an infection of the skin that causes bumps, nodules or blisters due to infestation with tiny mites. The common signs of scabies are inflammation, itching, rash and the presence of tiny burrows on the surface of the skin.

Scabies in people occurs due to infestation with microscopic mites called Sarcoptes scabiei var. hominis. Once they find a human host, these tiny mites crawl onto the skin and shelter in the less exposed areas of the body. The female parasite mites burrow deep into the skin and lay their eggs. After a while, larvae emerge and climb to the surface of the skin. They continue to mature and break through the skin when they are fully developed.

Scabies are very contagious and can affect anyone. The mites can easily be transmitted through physical contact. Scabies are very common in children and elderly people. The infestation with scabies mites is facilitated by crowded conditions and children in nursing homes, kindergartens and schools are more exposed to contracting the condition. Good personal hygiene can