Scabies is a condition that affects the skin making you itch uncontrollably. These little mites burrow under your skin and spread from person to person. It can affect the very young to the very old. It is passed along through close contact with the infected person, towels and linens that are shared, as well as their other belongings.
The symptoms are pretty clear when you are afflicted with scabies. The itch is terribly annoying and uncomfortable and often strikes worse during the nighttime hours. The people that this itching affects most severely are children or the elderly. The first sign of this skin condition will come possibly weeks after exposure. You may see a rash that appears as a track running along your extremities. A telltale sign of scabies is often a rash in the finger and toe webs.
If you have an itchy rash you should see your doctor immediately to rule out scabies and to be diagnosed. A doctor will generally do a skin scraping to determine this. If scabies is diagnosed treatment with a prescription cream will be necessary followed by cleaning of the area and the clothes. In addition, all of the people that are closest to you, that you have direct contact with, will also need to follow this same treatment. Everyone needs to do this treatment at the same time as well. Do not expect the rash to go away overnight, however. It will take up to 4 weeks for your body to readjust and get rid of the effects of the allergic reaction that it has caused.
Preventing scabies is difficult as it can be picked up anywhere. Avoid any close contact with anyone who has a rash. As well, good handwashing is always the first best step in protecting your body.
Angel Lynn writes in weight loss, single parenting, and health.