What Do Scabies Look Like

Scabies or sarcoptic mange is an extremely contagious skin infection condition, characterized with intense itching symptoms. This skin condition is caused by the ectoparasite Sarcoptes scabiei, common name itch mite. It is the female mite that cause scabies in humans, which is much smaller than the male version. Unlike other common insects around us, this tiny parasite has eight legs. Here, we shall take a look at what this skin infection looks like during the peak infection stage and while healing.

Scabies on the Skin

The disease name scabies is derived from the Latin word scabere meaning scratch. In addition to itching and scratching discomfort symptoms, there are virtual signs of scabies manifested on the skin, which can be identified easily. During infection, the itch mite punctures and burrows through the skin. Thus, a minute superficial burrow is present at the infection site. Regarding skin appearance, scabies infection causes small, red-colored bumps and skin rashes in specific parts of the body.

A concerning issue with scabies is the late outbreak of the virtual signs. Symptoms of scabies may be manifested within 2-8 weeks after infection. Nevertheless, the person who has been infested by the itch mite is capable of transmitting live mites to other individuals. Spreading of this ectoparasite takes place by direct skin contact with an infected person. Hence, several members of a family get infected with itch mite at the same time, though prominent signs are not observed. The first sign of infection is mild itching (for about 2 weeks), which exacerbates gradually.

When a person has scabies, red bumps are commonly present in the webs of fingers, wrists, backs of elbows, under the breasts, knees, toes, waist area, genital area and buttocks. Only 10-15 live mites are sufficient to cause hundreds of scabies rash and bumps in a healthy individual. As the mite travels, it leaves unusual shaped tracks or sometimes S-shaped tunnels. The female itch mite is about 0.3-0.4 mm in size and can be viewed with the help of a magnifying glass or under the microscope. Under magnification, the mite looks like a dark spot, usually present at the terminal end of the skin burrow.

In infants and babies, scabies cause rashes and blisters in the face, neck, palms of the hands and soles of the feet. In adults, noticeable scabies symptoms are nodules (similar to typical insect bites) and skin burrows. Severe itching is resulted due to the body's responses to itch mites. In all cases, itching intensity is increased at nighttime. Thus, most infected people do not get sound sleep due to constant scratching tendency. The discomfort symptoms are more profound in people having a suppressed immune system.

The scabies is a worldwide problem, with thousands of people getting infected every year. Self diagnosis of scabies will help in identifying the skin problem in the initial stages of infection. Early diagnosis of scabies is beneficial in two ways; an individual suffering from this skin disorder can follow effective measures to prevent spreading of itch mites to other body parts and also, spreading to other persons in the family can be reduced. One can also rely on effective scabies home remedies to fight against itch mites.

Scabies When Healing

As of date, there is no specific drug concerning scabies treatment over the counter. Nevertheless, there are prescription ointments that are effectual for scabies treatment. A popularly recommended cream is Elimite (Permethrin), formulated by Allergen. This scabicide cream is applied in the affected skin and is recommended for adults and babies older than 2 months. The skin bumps disappear after about 2 weeks of treatment. Another sign of healing is less itchiness.

Epidemics of scabies is commonly reported in public health care centers, nursing homes and even in hospitals. The high contagious nature of itch mite is a major concern for everyone, especially for the homeless population. Knowing what scabies look like will surely help in minimizing the spreading of this infectious disease to some extent.