Scabies is caused by a mite that burrows into the skin, according to the American Medical Association. Typically, symptoms begin three to four weeks after exposure. Scabies is contagious and can be spread from person to person or through contact with infested clothing, pets or furniture. It spreads most quickly in hospitals, day care centers, nursing homes and institutions where skin-to-skin contact occurs often. Patients can spread scabies even before symptoms appear, notes the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, or CDC.
Step 1
Note which areas of the skin are itching. Scabies typically causes severe itching or pruritus, particularly at night or after bathing. The itching is most likely to occur on the wrist, elbow, armpit, penis, nipples, waist, shoulder blades, buttocks or between the fingers, notes the CDC.
Step 2
Examine the skin for a red, pimple-like rash, according to the AMA. In infants and young children, the rash will be found on the head, neck, face, palms and soles of the feet, according to the CDC. Older children and adults will exhibit the rash between the fingers, around the waist, and on the wrist, elbow, armpit, nipples, buttocks, shoulder blades and penis.
Step 3
Look for sores on the skin caused by scratching that may be infected with bacteria, notes the AMA.
Step 4
Look closely for evidence of mites burrowing under the skin, according to the CDC. The burrows look like raised grayish-white or skin-colored lines and may be difficult to find because there may be as few as 10 to 15 mites.
Step 5
Check the skin for vesicles--fluid-filled blisters--and crusts on the skin. Crusted or Norwegian scabies may occur in patients who are elderly, have a compromised immune system or are unable to scratch because of a mental disability or paralysis, according to the CDC. Patients with crusted or Norwegian scabies harbor up to 2 million mites per person and are highly contagious.
Step 6
Discuss your symptoms with your health care provider, who will conduct a physical exam and, if burrows are found, may take scrapings to determine if mites can be seen under a microscope, according to the Mayo Clinic.
References
- "Handbook of First Aid and Emergency Care;" American Medical Association; 2009
- CDC: Scabies
- MayoClinic.com: Scabies Tests and Diagnosis
