Scabies

Scabies or Sarcoptes scabiei are a mite which burrows under the top layer of the skin surface causing a sort of “s” shape track the skin may be white or red and raised due to the itching of the skin. The female mite lays her eggs under the skin in what’s called the burrow; symptoms usually take 2-6 weeks to occur after you are infected, the itch is a result of the mite causing a local allergic reaction under the skin. The number of mites on a host at any one time is approximately 10 to 15.

They can occur anywhere on the body but initially seem to appear on the hands and in-between folds of skin like the fingers, toes genital areas. They do not seem to appear in the head or neck areas on adults.

The intense itching is usually worse at night and even after treatment the itching can continue for up to four weeks after the initial infection.

Scabies are very contagious and is known to be passed on by sexual contact it can affect any age groups although people with poor immune systems or people living in cramped conditions are more susceptible. It can flourish in child care environments, hospitals and residential care homes.