Scabies is a condition of the skin caused by mites called Sarcoptes scabiei. The mites burrow into the skin, which leads to several symptoms. Scabies is contagious and spreads quickly through physical contact. Treatment options work by killing the mites but the symptoms may take several weeks to diminish. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) points out that some symptoms of scabies may not appear within the first two weeks.
Asymptomatic
The CDC explains that individuals who have never had scabies before may not have any symptoms after contracting the mites the first time. This does not mean the individual cannot spread the mites to others. This asymptomatic period can last two to six weeks but as long as two months.
Itching
A person who has had scabies before may have symptoms of the condition within one to four days of exposure to the mites. It is possible for an individual to develop itching within a few days or weeks of contracting the mites, even if this is the first infestation. The initial symptom of mite infestation is skin itching, which is caused by proteins and feces of the mites. According to the University of Maryland Medical Center, the most common locations of itching include shoulder blades, buttocks, waist, nipple, penis, armpit, wrist, elbow and between the fingers. Very young children or infants may have the itching on the head, face, neck, palms and the soles of the feet. Itching can be intense, especially at night.
Rash
A scabies rash is actually caused by the burrowing of the mites under the skin. The female scabies mite tunnels just beneath the surface of the skin says the CDC. This leads to a tiny raised path on the skin. The lines may be grayish-white, red or skin-colored. The rash may be hard to find since an individual may only have 10 to 15 mites on the body at one time and the tracks may be in a hard-to-see place, such as the elbow or the shoulder blades. The skin surrounding the tracks may become red and rash-like from all the friction caused by scratching. I
Broken Skin
Intense scratching can lead to broken skin, which can end up becoming infected. The University of Maryland Medical Center points out that scabies infestation can lead to crusted skin or scabs. If the skin becomes infected, the individual may have oozing, pus or even blood in the affected areas.
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