Scabies is a very contagious condition of the skin that is brought on by tiny mites, the Scabies Mite, that tunnels into the skin to lay eggs. The mite is almost invisible to the human eye, and it is a particularly common occurrence to be suffering with scabies.
A female mite goes under the skin to lay, and merely into the first layer of the skin. She devours the skin as she tunnels, and remains in the burrow for her lifetime. Secure in the burrow the mite will start laying almost straight away, and will do so maybe twice every day and over a period of up to two months.
The eggs hatch very soon, and appear from the burrow to exist on a hair follicle. In as little as a matter of days the mite reaches breeding age and looks for a mate, after which the female will begin digging again, burrowing into the skin to lay her eggs.
The person concerned may notice very small bites or pimples in the first instance, and it is worth knowing that the mites thrive in warm and moist areas, and will most likely be present in the armpits or on the chest, as well as the genital area, the fingers, and places on the body where jewellery forms a warm enclave. Areas where there are creases in the skin are heaven for the scabies mite and are prime spots for the eggs and burrows to be found.
The infected will notice itching – often very prolonged and most likely at night – and the beginnings of a red rash, and will be inclined to scratch the area concerned. In the young it is common for the mite to thrive on the soles of the feet and the palms, and also on the scalp, while in babies it is often the neck and head that are most often affected.
Itching and irritation is indicative of an allergic reaction that an individuals body has to the presence of the mites, and is often very irritiating indeed.
Want to find out more about scabies symptoms, then visit Becca G. Taylor’s recommended site on how to get rid of scabies on your body.
