Scabies is a contagious skin condition that, if not treated promptly, can spread like wildfire. This Victorian-era disease is caused by tiny mites that burrow into the skin, causing itching and a rash that usually spreads across the whole body. The rash can affect any part of the body, for example the underarm area, between fingers and around the wrist, the inside of the elbow, buttocks, lower legs, knees, shoulder blades, the groin, palms, soles and sides of the feet.
People with scabies will usually have, on average, about a dozen adult mites on their skin. GPs in the UK have reported a surge in scabies cases , with NHS figures showing around 3,689 cases of the Victorian-era disease were detected in hospitals in England in the year to April, a rise from 2,128 the year before. What are the symptoms of scabies? One of the first symptoms to look out for when fearing to be affected by scabies is intense itching, especially at night.
After the tiny mites lay eggs in the skin, you may notice silvery lines with a dot at one end. The second sign to watch out for is the rash can appear anywhere, but often it starts between the fingers. Finally, the third sign of scabies is the rash spreading and turning into tiny red spots.
The NHS says: “The scabies rash usually spreads across the whole body - apart from the head. Elderly people, young children and those with a weakened immune system may also develop a rash on their head and neck.” How to tell apart scabies from eczema? The mos.
