Articles | How to Recognize Scabies Symptoms and Methods of Protection

Scabies symptoms, though easy to identify, are not known by many people, yet this condition can afflict thousands of people every year. What is even more important is not only the symptom, but just the fact that a first-time infection will not produce any symptoms for the first few weeks. Even though you will not be able to detect scabies for up to 14 days, they are so contagious during this interim period. Without warning, can still get scabies, which makes dealing with this quite a problem. This actually has nothing to do with whether or not you have good hygiene; it has to do with the nature of the mites themselves. So if you type something that has scabies, or touch someone that is infested, you may get them yourself.

The common symptoms for scabies are extreme itching and a pimple-like rash. At night, it is not uncommon for the intensity of the itching to become even more severe. The age of the person who has been infested will oftentimes determine the severity of their symptoms. For example, small children with scabies will usually have skin reactions that are much worse. And young adults and teenagers will usually have a milder reaction than an older adult. Depending on how hard you scratch, you can abrade your skin and create open sores.

Just like any other living organism, the scabies mite will thrive in an environment that is conducive to life and multiplying. So of course there are primary locations on the human body that more scabies friendly than others. Both men and women can contract scabies very easily, though there are variations in body locations where this may occur.

Of all of the locations possible, the buttocks area is the most easily infiltrated by scabies on either males or females. Across the board, gender variations are the norm, except for this area of the body. The genital area, by far, is where scabies on men will be the most abundant. But in women, scabies will thrive on the sides of the breasts, at places where the bra line is located and near and around the nipples.

Scabies infestations can occur for a variety of reasons and based upon certain factors and environmental circumstances. Many common areas for contracting scabies include prisons and nursing homes. Just about any situation that is overly crowded represents a potential thread to contracting scabies. Of anyplace in the world, scabies infestations are most prevalent in areas of the world that have undeveloped nations and countries. Scabies will typically be seen in more than one family member. Due to their ability to survive on inanimate objects, it is easy for scabies to move on to different hosts that handle the same objects on a regular basis.

Scabies symptoms are not variable in their appearance, and they can be seen in many locations around the body. The area of your body that becomes infested first will be a direct result of from whom or how you acquired the mites. For example, personal items can be a vehicle for the mite. If this is the case, wash or dry-clean any clothing, towels, blankets or other personal items that you might have transferred mites to so someone else isn't infested.