Human Scabies, Facts about Human Scabies

Human scabies is a mite that will cause severe itching and a skin rash that resembles small pimples. Although it isn’t easy to get scabies from another person, anyone with skin to skin contact with an infected person could get them. It must be prolonged contact however, unless it is crusted scabies. Then even a handshake could result in infection. Scabies can affect anyone regardless of race or lifestyle. It can be found in adults and children and is often spread in places like assisted living facilities, nursing homes and childcare centers. People who sleep with an infected person or have sex with an infected person stand a higher risk of getting scabies spread to them.

When Symptoms Are Likely to Appear

Symptoms of chronic itching and rash will appear in someone who has never had it in approximately four to six weeks. For people who have had scabies before you can expect to notice symptoms in as little as one to four days after being exposed. Even though there are no symptoms the scabies mite can be spread to other people.

Treatments for Human Scabies

There are no over the counter treatments for human scabies. A prescription must be issued by a health professional. In adults there will be a lotion that is to be spread over the body and up to the neck. It is very rare for an adult to get scabies on the face or head. Children and infants will need to have treatment put over their entire body. This includes their face and head. Children and infants can get scabies on the face and head.

Crusted Scabies

Crusted scabies is a very severe infestation of scabies. It is extremely contagious and can be spread easily. It will appear as thick crusts of skin. People who are likely to get crusted scabies include: the immune compromised, the elderly and the disabled. People with crusted scabies can also spread the mite through clothing and items they have come in contact with such as a bed or furniture, blankets and towels.

How to Treat the Home

The scabies mite can be destroyed by washing clothes, blankets and sheets in hot water and then drying in a hot dryer. They cannot live in temperatures above 122 degrees F for longer than 10 minutes. Off the body they will only live up to 72 hours before they perish on their own. Avoid contact with furniture that could be infested and wash all clothing, sheets and blankets.

There is nothing to be embarrassed of with human scabies. Anyone could get them. They are not spread by pets so you don’t have to be worried about catching them from your pet. Their scabies is totally different and will not live on a human. Get medical attention as soon as you notice the problem. Only a doctor will know for sure whether you have the scabies mite or not.