Signs and Symptoms
Although the entire body may itch, the most common locations for the lesions of scabies include:
- The areas between the fingers (finger webs)
- Inner wrists, inner elbows, and armpits
- Breasts of females and genitalia of males
- Navel (umbilicus)
- Lower abdomen
- Buttocks
- Backs of knees
The most obvious signs of scabies are pink-to-red bumps, which can look like pimples or bug bites. However, the tell-tale lesion of scabies is the burrow, which is small, subtle, and difficult to detect. Typically, a burrow appears as a fine, thread-like, scaly line (3–10 mm long), sometimes with a tiny black speck (the burrowing mite) at one end.
Scabies is intensely itchy, especially at night.
Scratching the itchy lesions can create breaks in the skin, and these breaks can become infected with bacteria.
A severe form of scabies, called Norwegian scabies or crusted scabies, is seen in:
- Elderly people
- Individuals with weakened immune systems (such as organ transplant recipients or people with HIV/AIDS)
- Malnourished people
- People who are physically and/or mentally impaired or disabled
In people with Norwegian/crusted scabies, the skin becomes very red and is covered with thick, white scales and crusts. The lesions are extensive and widespread, appearing over the scalp, face, elbows, knees, palms, and soles of the feet. The mite population can soar to hundreds, thousands, or even millions.
People who are exposed to scabies may not develop itchy lesions for up to 6 weeks after becoming infested, as the immune system takes some time to recognize the mites and develop an allergic response to them. However, individuals who have had scabies before may develop the rash within several days of re-exposure.
Who's At Risk
