Scabies

Scabies is a contagious skin condition caused by the human itch mite, *Sarcoptes scabiei* var. hominis. These tiny parasites burrow into the upper layer of the skin to live and lay eggs, leading to an irritating rash and intense itching, often more severe at night. The most common symptom of scabies is intense itching that usually occurs at sites where the mites have burrowed, such as between the fingers, on the wrists, elbows, buttocks, genital area, and under the breasts. The infestation can spread through prolonged skin-to-skin contact or through infested items like bedding or clothing. Scabies is diagnosed by evaluating the characteristic rash and confirmed by identifying the mites, their eggs, or fecal matter in skin scrapings under a microscope.

Treatment for scabies typically involves prescribed scabicidal agents, with permethrin cream and oral ivermectin being common options. All household members and close contacts should be treated simultaneously to prevent re-infestation. It's essential to wash all clothes, bedding, and towels in hot water and dry them on a hot cycle or to seal them in a bag for at least 72 hours to kill mites that are no longer on the skin. Environmental insecticide sprays aren't necessary, as mites don't survive long off the human body.