Scabies

Scabies is a common skin condition caused by the human itch mite.  This eight-legged bug is so small that you cannot see it on the skin. People get scabies when the mite burrows into the top layer of skin to live and feed. When the skin reacts to the mite, an extremely itchy rash develops.  If you’ve had scabies before, the itching usually begins within 1-4 days.  When a person has not had scabies, the body needs time to develop a reaction to the mite.  It can take 2 to 6 weeks to develop symptoms.

Anyone can get scabies.  Most people get scabies from direct, skin-to-skin contact. Less often, people pick up mites from infested items such as bedding, clothes, and furniture. The mite can survive for about 3 to 4 days without being on a human. Scabies can develop anywhere on the skin.  Signs and symptoms of scabies include itching, rash, sores, and thick crusts on the skin.

TREATMENT

To get rid of scabies, treatment is essential. Medicine that treats scabies is only available with a doctor’s prescription.  The person diagnosed with scabies and everyone who has had close contact with that person need treatment. Even people who do not have any signs or symptoms must be treated. This is the only way to prevent new outbreaks of scabies weeks later.

To gain faster relief from the signs and symptoms of scabies, call  402-467-4361 to schedule an appointment.