How to identify Scabies?

What does scabies look like?

Scabies infestation usually looks like a skin rash or sore. In most people, the early symptoms of the condition are evident only after four to six weeks of infestation. It usually starts with tiny spots on the skin that look like bumps or pimples.

When the condition spreads, you may experience the following signs and symptoms:

• Severe itching, especially at night

• Bumps and sores that get infected due to scratching

• Itchy grey lines on the skin

• Red and scaly patches

While scabies mites can infest any part of the body, most people experience sores and bumps in moist and warm areas, such as between their fingers and toes, folds of the wrist, elbow or knee, armpits, waist and other areas with folds.

How do you get Scabies?

Scabies occurs due to infestation of human itch mites, Sarcoptes scabiei. These tiny mites usually burrow into the skin and lay eggs. The eggs hatch and develop into adult mites in about 2 weeks. Most people notice the symptoms in about 4-6 weeks of infestation.

Scabies is a contagious condition, so it can spread due to prolonged skin-to-skin contact with a person who is infected. However, a brief handshake or hug will not lead to the condition. Crusted scabies can also spread through contaminated materials, such as towels, bedding, etc.

How is Scabies diagnosed?

Healthcare practitioners diagnose scabies by looking closely at the skin for scabies mites. If they suspect scabies, they will take a small sample of the infested skin and check it under the microscope for scabies mites or their eggs.

If you are diagnosed with scabies, your doctor will prescribe certain creams and lotions to treat the condition. Severe infestations are treated with antihistamines, antibiotics and steroid creams, while crusted scabies may require hospitalisation.