| Scabies mites are not known to jump but they can crawl. |
Scabies Facts |
- Scabies is a very easy to spread infection of the skin and is caused by miniature mites.
- The Scabies Mite causes the condition by tunnelling into our skin to produce eggs.
- The mite is all but invisible to the sufferer and it is a generally common occurrence to be affected with scabies.
- A female scabies mite burrows to lay, and only into the very upper layer of the skin. She eats the skin as she tunnels and lives in the burrow for her lifetime.
- Once living in the burrow the scabies mite will start laying almost straight away and will do so more than once each day and over a period of up to two months.
- The scabies eggs are born in a few days, and climb out from the burrow to live on a hair follicle.
- In as little as four days the scabies mite reaches maturity and looks for a mate, after which the female will start the process again, burrowing into the skin to lay her eggs.
- The Scabies patient may notice small bites or pimples at first and it is worth knowing that the mites breed in warm and moist areas.
- Scabies will most likely occur in the armpits or on the chest, or the genital area, the fingers, and anywhere where jewellery presents a warm and safe place.
- Areas where there are creases in the skin are often infected with the scabies mite and are prime spots for the infection to be found.
- Sufferers with Scabies could notice irritation - often very intense and most likely at night - and the appearance of a red rash, and will be inclined to scratch the area concerned.
- In youngsters it is usual for the scabies mite to live on the soles of the feet and the palms, and maybe also on the scalp, while in babies it is usually the neck and head that are most often affected.
- Itching and irritation happens as a result of an allergic reaction that the body undergoes thanks to the presence of the scabies mites, and is sometimes very profound indeed.
- As the scabies suffering spreads the sufferer could experience hardening of the skin, with crusty and scaly skin appearing in time.
- In those with easily affected skin, or those with aggressive scabies infection nodular scabies can be the result.
- Nodular Scabies is a disease which is prevalent when debris left behind by the mite becomes trapped under the skin.
- As scabies may become nasty and painful if left untreated it is vital that the correct treatment is used for the specified time.
- The elderly and those with damaged immune systems are generally likely to suffer from severe cases of scabies, and should be concerned as a result.
- Like lots of similar conditions scabies is very contagious and it does not necessarily require one to come into direct contact with a sufferer to become infected.
- Sleeping in a bed or relaxing in a chair that has been used by a sufferer can bring about scabies infection, as can close contact with the individual.
- Scabies is frequently found in nursing homes where the elderly reside, and in persons who work in the health profession and come into contact with sufferers.
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Last update: 01:23 PM Thursday, April 2, 2009
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