Human Scabies Symptoms

Scabies is an itchy, contagious skin condition caused by the human itch mite, a microscopic creature with a ponderous entomological name, Sarcoptes scabiei. Human scabies symptoms caused by an infestation of the mites occur when at least one impregnated female mite wanders from one person to another during direct, prolonged physical contact. Human scabies symptoms have distinctive characteristics health care practitioners look for prior to diagnosing this skin condition.

Initial Infestation

If you've been infested with scabies, chances are good that you won't know it for some time. The Centers for Disease Control notes that there's a lag time during the period of initial infestation and the time symptoms present, between two to four weeks, but up to two months. Those who've had scabies before will note symptoms earlier--between one and four days. During the time you're infested but showing no symptoms, you can pass scabies to other people. The CDC notes that when adults acquire scabies, it's generally through sexual contact with a partner with scabies.

Scabies Rash

The earliest and most common scabies symptom is a red rash comprised of small pimple-like bumps. The scabies rash is extremely itchy, with pruritus worse at night. Although scabies rash can appear anywhere on the human body, Mayo Clinic experts note that the mites have "areas of choice" on the body. Rash may be noted primarily where parts of the skin touch. In adults, these areas are in the webbing of the fingers, inside the wrists and inner elbows, between the shoulder blades, under the armpits, and around the waist, breasts and genital area (in men). Children are more likely to notice scabies symptoms on the palms, soles, and neck and head.

Scabies Burrows

When the female scabies mite lays her eggs in the upper layer of the human skin, she creates an expanding burrow. Burrows may appear as serpentine (zig-zag) formations that are slightly raised and grayish or pink in color. The CDC notes that burrows may be difficult to find, as scabies infestations are not the result of numerous mites--usually between 10 to 15. However, scabies burrows may be visualized in the finger webbing, wrists, inside elbow, knees, or sometimes the male genitals, breasts and shoulder blades.

Treating Scabies

The CDC specifies that there are no nonprescription treatments for scabies that are known to be effective. Scabies symptoms are treated with a prescription topical scabicide after the rash is identified by a health are practitioner as the result of a scabies infestation. These lotions or creams are applied to the body from the neck down, left on for a specified number of hours and then rinsed off.

Scabies can live without a human blood host for up to three days. To avoid a reinfestation from mites that linger in personal belongings or in the home, launder all washable items in hot water and dry on high heat. Items that cannot be washed, such as stuffed animals and pillows can be stored in sealed containers outside of the home. The CDC recommends storage for up to a week, while the American Social Health Association advises two weeks. Vacuum carpeting, rugs, furniture and other soft surfaces well and dispose of the bag outside of the home immediately.

Scabies Symptoms: Post-Treatment

Scabies symptoms usually don't resolve immediately after treatment--the mites' proteins continue to trigger an allergic response in the skin, so the itchy rash may remain for some time. The Mayo Clinic offers some helpful suggestions to alleviate post-treatment discomfort, including taking cool baths, applying soothing lotions and, if a doctor recommends it, taking an over-the-counter oral antihistamine. If itching persists after two to four weeks or if new burrows or rashes appear, the CDC warns that you could require further treatment for scabies.