Alternate Names : Sarcoptes scabiei
Definition
Scabies is a contagious skin disease caused by a species of mite that is very small.
Overview, Causes, & Risk Factors
Scabies is found worldwide among people of all groups and ages. It is spread by direct contact with infected people and less often by sharing clothing or bedding. Sometimes whole families are affected.
The mites that cause scabies burrow into the skin and deposit their eggs, forming a burrow that looks like a pencil mark. Eggs mature in 21 days. The itchy rash is an allergic response to the mite.
Pictures & Images
Scabies rash and excoriation on the hand
Rash and�open scratches�from a scabies infection. (Image courtesy of the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.)
Scabies mite, photomicrograph
This is a photomicrograph of the scabies mite. This animal burrows in the skin, depositing both eggs and feces. Scabies infestation causes intense itching (pruritus) which leads to scratching and damage of the skin (excoriation). The infestation may last for years without treatment and has been called the “seven year itch”.
Scabies mite, photomicrograph of the stool
This is a photomicrograph of scabies feces in skin scrapings. This material is thought to cause an allergic-type reaction which may be responsible for the intense itching. The itching may persist long after the scabies mites are killed because the dead eggs and mite feces remain in the skin.
Scabies mite, photomicrograph
This is a highly-magnified photograph of the mite that causes scabies.
Scabies mite, photomicrograph
This is a photomicrograph of the scabies mite. They burrows into the skin, depositing both eggs and feces. A scabies infestation causes intense itching (pruritus) which leads to scratching and damage of the skin (excoriation). If left untreated, the infestation may last for years, and has been called the “seven year itch”.
Scabies mite, eggs, and stool photomicrograph
This is a photomicrograph of a skin scraping that contains a scabies mite, eggs, and feces. This animal burrows into the skin, depositing both eggs and feces. A scabies infestation causes intense itching (pruritus) which leads to scratching and damage of the skin (excoriation). If left untreated, the infestation may last for years, and has been called the “seven year itch”.
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Scabies : Overview, Causes, & Risk Factors
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Scabies : Symptoms & Signs, Diagnosis & Tests
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Scabies : Treatment
Review Date : 10/11/2008
Reviewed By : Kevin Berman, MD, PhD, Atlanta Center for Dermatologic Disease. Review provided by VeriMed Healthcare Network. Also reviewed by David Zieve, MD, MHA, Medical Director, A.D.A.M., Inc.
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