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Scabies
Definition 1
A contagious skin infection that is caused by the burrowing parasitic mite, sarcoptes scabiei, and is characterized by intense itching and small, raised red spots in the area of the mite burrows. (NCI Thesaurus)
Definition 2
A contagious cutaneous inflammation caused by the bite of the mite SARCOPTES SCABIEI. It is characterized by pruritic papular eruptions and burrows and affects primarily the axillae, elbows, wrists, and genitalia, although it can spread to cover the entire body. (NLM, Medical Subject Headings)
More information
Scabies is an itchy skin condition caused by the microscopic mite Sarcoptes scabei. It is common all over the world, and can affect anyone. Scabies spreads quickly in crowded conditions where there is frequent skin-to-skin contact between people. Hospitals, child-care centers, and nursing homes are examples. Scabies can easily infect sex partners and other household members. Sharing clothes, towels, and bedding can also spread scabies. You cannot get scabies from a pet. Pets get a different mite infection called mange.
Symptoms are
• Pimple-like irritations or a rash
• Intense itching, especially at night
• Sores caused by scratching
Your health care provider diagnoses scabies by looking at the skin rash and finding burrows in the skin.
Several lotions are available to treat scabies. The infected person's clothes, bedding and towels should be washed in hot water and dried in a hot dryer. Treatment is also recommended for household members and sexual partners. (Centers for Disease Control and Prevention)
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