Scabies is an infestation of the skin. Scabies can affect anyone. Among younger people, it often spreads by sexual contact, and some medical professionals consider it to be a form of sexually transmitted disease (STD) in these cases.
The characteristic symptom of scabies is intense, relentless itching of the skin. Other associated signs and symptoms of scabies include
- a skin rash made up of small red blisters and bumps that appear on specific areas of the body as well as
- tiny red burrows on the skin.
The itchy skin leads to frequent scratching, which may cause the skin to develop secondary bacterial infections.
Causes of scabies
Infection with the mite Sarcoptes scabiei causes scabies. Mites are small parasites and are not insects. Scabies spreads by direct skin-to-skin transmission among affected people.
Other scabies symptoms and signs
- Intense, Relentless Itching of the Skin
- Skin Rash of Small Red Blisters and Bumps
- Tiny Red Burrows on the Skin
Main Article on Scabies Symptoms and Signs
SLIDESHOW
12 Preventable STDs: Pictures, Symptoms, Diagnosis, Treatment See SlideshowPictures, Images, Illustrations & Quizzes
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Picture of Scabies
Infestation of the skin by the human itch mite, Sarcaptes scabies. See a picture of Scabies Bites and learn more about the health...
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Picture of Scabies 1
Human scabies is an intensely pruritic skin infestation caused by the host-specific mite Sarcoptes scabiei hominis. Approximately...
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Picture of Scabies 2
Inflammatory nodular lesions involving the axillae and the diaper area are particularly typical of scabies in the very young...
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Picture of Scabies 3
This figure illustrates burrows that are diagnostic of scabies. See a picture of Scabies and learn more about the health topic.
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What Is Scabies? Rash, Treatment, Symptoms, Pictures
Get the facts on scabies (itch mite) causes, signs and symptoms. Learn what scabies looks like and how to treat it through these...
Examples of Medications for Scabies Symptoms and Signs
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