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Conditions

Scabies

A scabies inflammation on the arm (Photo courtesy of Sven Teschke/Wikipedia)

Scabies is a common and highly contagious skin condition caused by human scabies mites, which are microscopic, eight-legged creatures with round bodies that have infested humans and caused misery for around 2,500 years. It is spread by close physical contact, especially in overcrowded living conditions or during sexual contact, and occurs when the female mite burrows into the outer layer of skin to lay its eggs. When the larvae then hatch and grow into mites, the skin produces an allergic reaction and intense itching develops (usually 2-6 weeks after infestation), resulting in a rash of raised, pinkish-red spots that appear on the body and limbs. Scabies can affect people of any age but is most common in children and young adults. Your personal hygiene has no bearing on the condition, but like most conditions involving the dreaded louse or mite, you cannot simply wash them away. However, prescription or over-the-counter creams and lotions are available – but check with your GP.

What the Men in White Coats Say

Comments and Questions

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I got diagnosed with scabies in April 2010. Myself and my family all used the overnight cream (which you wash off the next morning). My family never suffered but I was badly affected by it. The rash disappeard after about 8 wks but I am now still bothered by itchy patches on my legs and on my arms. The doctor has told me its atopic eczema but Im worried its scabies coming back. Is there anyone out there that is still having problems with their skin years after their original infestation?





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i work in a nursinh home and we had a problem with scabies for months.all staff and patients were treated numerous times until the patients were given ivermectin and then things cleared up,but due to using the crams and lotions numerous times many of the staff including myself now have the same as you.apparently all we can do is moisturise,moisturise,and moisturise some more,hope this puts your mind at rest

i had scabies and used the creams and it went away but i was still affected by that small itch now and then i was told as well about eczema , exfoliate with a mit and a mint body wash it makes you feel clean and fresh

TO EVERYONE WHO HAS/THINKS THEY MIGHT HAVE SCABIES. I have had scabies twice in my life - and i'm only 15! No, i'm not a dirty person. and yes, i shower every day and wash my hair every day too. It started inbetween my fingers (may not be the same for everyone). they itched like mad and became red and rashy to the point i kept them spread out since it annoyed my, from there it began to spread up my hands, wrists and arms. I went the doctors and they gave me special cream which really helped and cured it in a matter of weeks! I've had it twice, and believe me, it's not as 'disgusting' as everyone thinks it is! I had it when i was younger -both times. It itched just like chicken pox, so i went the doctors and he gave me special cream (which just so happened that i was allergic to, which flared my egsma up too and caused a burning sensation, which wasn't great, but i dealt with it- so i suggest if you do have it, and get a cream off your doctor to test it first - just to be safe!). When i complained of it being itchy at school, they called my mum and when she told them what it was they (and i remember it to this very day) had a disgusted look on their face, which just showed exactly what they were thinking. which obviously was 'Eugh! That's disgusting. Dirty child!' But to be honest, it isn't 'vile' or 'disgusting' like people think it is. It's just yet another illness like chicken pox, acne or egsma- Not everyone gets it, but some do! So, if you're worried or scared about having it - Trust me, it's nothing to be scared or worried about. Sure, it is little bugs under your skin and sure, you might not want them there. But there are treatments and you're not stuck with it forever. So please, take my advice and don't worry. And if you know anyone with it, don't look down on them- it's most likely not their fault they have it. Just thought i'd put my experience out there and honestly tell you - from a personal point of view- it's nothing to panick about. Good luck and best wishes.





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i have a red itchy raised rash on my neck that started off in a small patch but now seems to be spreading and getting bigger what could it be has anybody got any suggestions ?





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I have little red dots on the head of my penis they are sometimes itchy & sometimes pain ful i'm not sure if they are genital warts or scabbies please help





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yeast infection or trich.

its a yeast infection if you haven't had sex, its either a yeast infection or trichamonas(symtoms may go away but you'll still have it and spread it) if you have.

Do the bugs die and stay under your skin?





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i caught scabies of my ex abouth 10months ago when he cheated on me, it is now january and i have the syptoms again. i have a new boyfriend and im very scared this will mess it up. im getting very upset about it and scared if he finds out he will dump me, i really dont know what to do.





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You should really get checked for herpes, scabies usually doesn't take that long to spread and usually don't reappear.

rash like patches have occured around my chest,abdomen,arms and legs. there are many spots, and they are really itchy. But im not sure what it is. i really hope i havnt got scabies as ive been around pregnant famil members and young children. Im afraid of having it, but im to emcarrased to see a doctor. can someone please give me feed-back, i need some reasurance and my self-confdence has gone. Also people were saying that a new girl in my school had scabies, when i asked her she said she didnt, how do i know she is not lying? But i really need to find out about this, i dont want to be dignosed with this disies, as i would be bullied and un-happy. Ive just moved schools due to bullying and dont want not to be happy again. please answer someone, this is important.... shanan x





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I had the same symptoms and was extremely embarrassed to visit my doctor in case it was scabies. I tried absolutely every cream and lotion to clear it myself, didn't work. Eventually had to visit the doctor she did suggest scabies and told me not to be embarrassed. Gave me a wonderful cream to use in one day (leave it on for 8-12 hours) wash it off, I noticed very quicky how the itching disappeard. I was also given oral steriod tablets (6 per day). It worked !!!

I have been infected with scabies a number of times. Unfortunately I have a relative who gives it to me but will not accept they have a problem. The last time I could not get rid of it for two years. I have now contracted it again. My doctor is supportive but does not like me using so much of the insecticides but does not have any other treatment to offer. He agrees that it would be worth me trying Ivermectin but says it is not available on NHS. Has anyone tried this? Can anyone tell me a secure site where I can buy it. It is expensive and I am retired so cannot afford to throw money away.





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can anyone tell me the name of the cream I need to use? I caught scabbies from a female, the condition is not really afecting me fisicly , but it don,t look good on skn plz help

Hi I have problems with bites that I have got from the dog that has been diagnosed with canine scabies. The dog has been treated twice, but I am still getting bitten despite not touching the dog (I do go in the room where she is though). The vet said to just treat the dog with amitraz dip will suffice once a week, but I am still getting just as many bites. Do you know what else I can do to get rid of the little mange mites. It is a living hell as they are sooo itchy.





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im 16 and i have bin diagnosed with scabies mite but nothing seems to get rid of it im very emmbarrased about it and wont show my arms or legs its very bad on my legs and is damaging my self confidence please help





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It looks like no one else has asked this question, so please fill in the rest of your details below.





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Content supplied by NHS Choices

Scabies is a contagious skin condition that causes intense itching. It is caused by tiny mites called sarcoptes scabiei, which burrow into the skin. Read More »

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