4 Most Common Scabies Symptoms

Scabies is basically a skin related problem, wherein the mites of the Scabies enter the surface of the skin and form burrows. After the mites have entered the skin surface, it usually has an incubation period of about two to six weeks.

The signs and symptoms of scabies appear thereafter. The people who have already suffered from scabies in the past develop symptoms as early as within one to four days.

In humans, female mite is responsible for scabies. Scabies is not age related and can affect anyone from babies to the elderly people. People usually get scabies due to contact with infected person, bedclothes, furniture etc.

Common Symptoms Of Scabies

Severe Itching

Itching is the foremost symptom experienced by the person suffering from scabies. The main cause of itching are the mites of the scabies which burrow beneath the skin on various parts of the body like around the cuticles of nail, in between the fingers, elbows, wrists etc. The mites especially burrow in the places which are hidden or covered by clothes like buttocks, penis, around the nipples, area covered by rings, watches etc.

The itching caused by the scabies mites is so intense and severe that the person feels a need to scratch the area continuously. This situation is especially aggravated during the night and the person is unable to fall sleep.

Rashes

People suffering from scabies usually develop rashes on their skin, which are again very itchy and uncomfortable. The rashes usually appear in form of small bumps below the skin surface which looks like a thin thread running below the surface of the skin. The rashes are often mistaken as pimples in appearance.

The itchy rashes in babies and children are usually seen on the soles of the feet, palms of the hand and the scalp. The children suffering from scabies become very irritable and suffer from a loss in appetite.

Sores

Appearance of sores is yet another symptom of scabies. These sore usually develops as a side effect of constant scratching of the itchy rashes. Sometimes this constant scratching of the rashes lead to infection of the sores and the area may become filled with pus. In extreme cases, the infection may enter the blood stream of the person causing sepsis, which may even endanger the life of the infected person.

Crusts Formation

In case of severe scabies, thick crust formation occurs on the skin. These thick crusts are formed as a result of the mites multiplying and laying eggs. The average number of mites in these crusts are usually hundred to one thousand. This condition where the formation of crusts take place is also called as crusted or Norwegian Scabies.

The formation of rashes and sores of the infected area is more severe which is accompanied by intense and constant scratching. The crusted scabies or Norwegian scabies is especially very common in people who have low immunity like elderly people or people suffering from prolonged illness. These crusts are often greyish in colour and crumble very easily when touched.