Scabies are a parasitic mite that survive on their host by burrowing under the skin. They can cause severe itching which can cause openings in the skin and lead to secondary skin infections. They can also cause secondary allergic reactions in some people. Highly contagious, this parasite is not always easy to diagnose and treat, and can easily infest all the members of a household if not caught and treated as soon as possible.

A scabies infestation is most often found in crevices in the skin. In finger webbing, between the toes, on elbows and around the waist are common sites. Tracks in the skin with an S shape can be an indication that scabies is present, and should be seen by a doctor as soon as they are noticed. Initial symptoms may take over a month from time of exposure to show up.

Female scabies mites lay their eggs under the skin of their host. They must burrow in so they are able to deposit the eggs. Eggs hatch in a few days, and eventually morph into the nymphs that will be the adult mites. They cannot survive for more than a couple days off the skin.

Skin scrapings from affected areas are how a diagnosis is achieved. The scrapings are viewed under a microscope for evidence of mites and eggs. Repeated scrapings can be required in order to make a positive diagnosis of an infection. Scraped areas can become infected if not treated with antibiotics, and can be aggravated by scratching the area.

Those that get an allergic reaction may find itching even worse. The mite feces under the skin is the underlying cause of the reaction, not the mites or their eggs.

Anti-parasite medication is the treatment for scabies. It can be applied topically or taken orally, and may require several treatments in order to be successful. Since some people may not notice that they have scabies, or because diagnosis can take time, an infestation can become quite bad before treatment begins.

This highly contagious parasite can cause the host misery and discomfort. To avoid re-infestation, all items, clothing, bedding and furniture that an infested person may have come in contact with must be washed or treated. Very hot water and a high heat setting on the dryer works for washables. Other items may need to be sprayed with a pesticide that contains permethrin that will kill the mites.

The discomfort and potential disfigurement of the skin due to a parasite known as Sarcoptes Scabiei is known as scabies. It is important to obtain effective and prompt scabies treatment since the condition is highly contagious.