Scabies is an infestation of tiny mites with the name Sarcoptes scabiei, more commonly known as the scabies bug. You cannot see the scabies bug physically through the naked eye since they are microscopic in size, but the rashes and intense itching is how you will know they are there.
How do you know if you have it?
Scabies infestation looks similar to pimples or simple rashes, but they are more distinct due to the burrow lines created by the scabies bug. Here is an image comparison with acne, mosquito bites and scabies. Intense itching is the trademark of scabies, and its most severe with children and the elderly.
The scabies infestation will not be immediate once you are exposed with the scabies bug. It can take four to six weeks for the skin to show some signs of the infestation. The most common symptoms are:
- Intense itching, especially at night
- Clustered rashes that resembles pimples
- Scales and/or blisters
- Sore skin caused by scratching
- Appearance of track-like burrows in the skin.
The most distinct symptom of a scabies infestation is the burrows in the skin. Female Scabies bugs burrow just underneath the top layer of the skin to lay up to 10-25 eggs.
If you have scabies, you need to treat them immediately to avoid further complications such as infection of the skin and the contamination of scabies to the other members of the household. Do check out Dr. Scabies’ line of products for scabies treatment. These contain natural plant extracts that are safe and effective for treating scabies infestation. Click here for more information.