Scabies

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Scabies is an itchy condition of the skin caused by a tiny mite (Sarcoptes scabiei), less than half a millimetre long. The female mite burrows into the outer layer of skin to lay its eggs. As the larvae hatch and grow into mites, the skin produces an allergic reaction and intense itching develops.

The scabies mite can burrow into any part of the skin, but is most commonly found around the hands, feet, and male genitalia. It does not usually affect the neck and head, although it may in infants, the elderly and those whose immune system is not functioning properly.

Scabies can affect people of any age but is most common in children and young adults. It is highly contagious and is spread by close physical contact, especially in overcrowded living conditions. There are sometimes outbreaks in schools and residential or nursing homes. It can also be passed on by sexual contact.

The elderly and people who do not have a fully functioning immune system are more likely to have crusted scabies (also called Norwegian scabies). This is a highly contagious condition in which the skin thickens, forming a crust, and rather than having the usual amount of female mites (around 12), a person with crusted scabies can have an infestation of thousands.Crusted scabies is transmitted by physical contact and can also be transmitted via bedding, towels, clothes, and upholstery.