Scabies is a skin disease caused by a small infectious mite that burrows under the skin. Dermatologists estimate that more than 300 million cases of scabies occur every year worldwide, according to the American Academy of Dermatology. Scabies, which can affect individuals in any age group, social class and race, is often diagnosed by the distinctive blisters and burrows left by the mite on the skin.
Identification
Scabies often appear as small blisters between the fingers, under the arms, along the inner wrist or elbow, around the breasts, soles of the feet, around the male genitalia or on the buttocks, knees and shoulder blades. People with scabies often notice pencil mark-like burrows or tracks in the folds of their skin from the mite burrowing. The National Institutes of Health explains that a rash will often develop as an allergic reaction to the mite's eggs and waste left under the skin.
Transmission
Scabies occurs due to prolonged, direct skin-on-skin contact with an infected person. When conditions are crowded and body contact occurs frequently, scabies can spread rapidly. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention indicates that certain institutions, such as assisted living facilities, nursing homes and prisons, are often sites of scabies outbreaks. In rare cases, a person can develop scabies from sharing bedding or clothes with an infected person.
Treatment
Scabies treatment involves a topical ointment to eliminate most infections. A person typically applies the cream to the entire body from the neck down, leaving the medication on for anywhere from 8 to 24 hours. The most commonly prescribed medications are Permethrin 5 Percent, lindane and crotamiton. Physicians often treat family members and others who have been in close proximity with the infected person even when they show no signs of scabies, according to MayoClinic.com.
Prognosis
Most cases of scabies will not cause long-term problems. People who are treated with medications often have a full recovery with no further complications. According to the National Institutes of Health, in rare cases, some people may develop a skin infection known as impetigo due to intense scratching.
Considerations
Scabies can sometimes be difficult to treat effectively. Some patients may require more than one round of treatment to fully eliminate the mite. In some cases, patients may also need to take an oral medication to treat scabies.
