SYMPTOMS OF SCABIES

The onset of symptoms of scabies varies depending on whether or not a person has previously been exposed to mites. The first time a person is exposed to the scabies mite, it can take upwards of 2-6weeks for symptoms to develop.

This timeframe is significantly shorter in subsequent infestations as the body's immune system is quicker to react (typically in 1-4 days).

Signs and symptoms of scabies include:

§  Itching - this is often worse at night and can be severe and intense. Itching is one of the most common scabies symptoms.

§  Rash - when the mite burrows into the skin, it forms burrow tracks, or lines, which are most commonly found in skin folds, and resemble hives, bites, knots, pimples, or patches of scaly skin. Blisters may also be present.

§  Sores - these occur in infested areas where a person has scratched at the skin. Open sores can lead to impetigo, commonly caused by secondary infection with Staphylococcus aureus.

§  Thick crusts - crusted scabies, also known as Norwegian scabies, is a form of severe scabies in which hundreds to thousands of mites and mite eggs are harbored within skin crusts, causing severe skin symptoms.

Most often, those affected with crusted scabies exhibit widespread, gray, thick, crumbling crusts.Visit  our  clinics  at  Malad,Juhu and Bandra in Mumbai for all skin,hair and nail ailments.Call 9004839333 for appointments.