Overview
The Sarcoptes scabiei mite causes scabies. These little bugs make tunnels (burrow) under your skin to live, feed and lay eggs. Your skin reacts to the mite by developing an itchy rash. Scabies spreads easily from person to person, especially among people who live close together. If one family member has scabies, a healthcare provider should check and treat other family members and close contacts at the same time.
Scabies is a worldwide problem but happens most often in crowded, tropical areas, particularly in under-resourced countries. But it can affect people of all ages, races or economic status. It has nothing to do with how clean or hygienic you are. Healthcare providers treat scabies with medicated creams you apply to your skin or medication you take by mouth.
Are there different types of scabies?
Yes, there are different forms in addition to the classic form. Other types include:
- Crusted (Norwegian): This type often happens in people with weak immune systems. It tends to form crusted areas covering a large area of skin. If you have crusted scabies, you might have millions of mites instead of the 10 to 15 mites common with classic or typical scabies.
- Nodular: This type is more common among children and affects their genitals, groin or armpits. The raised bumps can still be there long after the mites are gone.
How common is scabies?
Scabies affects more than 400 million people each year worldwide. It’s generally more common in tropical countries that lack medical resources, but it can still occur anywhere. Scabies outbreaks in the U.S. and similar countries tend to occur in places where people share living space like nursing homes, dorms or correctional facilities.
Symptoms
When to see a doctor
Complications
- High blood pressure.
- Diabetes.
- Heart failure.
- Some types of heart valve disease.
Prevention
- Control high blood pressure, high cholesterol and diabetes.
- Don't smoke or use tobacco.
- Eat a diet that's low in salt and saturated fat.
- Exercise at least 30 minutes a day on most days of the week unless your health care team says not to.
- Get good sleep. Adults should aim for 7 to 9 hours daily.
- Maintain a healthy weight.
- Reduce and manage stress.
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