10 Scabies Symptoms

By james

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One of the most uncomfortable yet common skin ailments is scabies. It is caused by exposure to a type of small burrowing mite known as Sarcoptes scabiei. These tiny eight-legged bugs are difficult to spot with the naked eye but their effect is more obvious. The skin infestation leads to the mites laying eggs on the skin’s surface, leading to itchiness and red rashes.

Scabies is a highly contagious condition that easily spreads from person to person in the home, work, school, and other social group environments. It can spread through direct skin contact, sharing of clothes, and bedding. First-timers may take several weeks to detect symptoms, while those that have had it before tend to realize reinfection in a matter of days. Luckily it is a highly treatable condition.

1. Itching

A persistent and intense feeling of itching is the most reported symptom of scabies. This sensation can be felt in various parts of the body including the arms, legs, chest, and genital areas. It may be brought on by the burrowing of mites into the skin and their activity of reproduction and laying eggs. This irritation is most severely felt at night, causing disturbance to sleep as you itch more.

To gain some relief, you may make use of topical creams or ointments, or oral anti-itch medication. These remedies however provide temporary relief as they do not eliminate the mites that are the cause of the problem. Seeking medical treatment is important as excessive scratching can lead to even more severe problems such as open sores. This can later provide a means by which infections can enter the bloodstream.