Your skin is the largest organ of your body. Even with regular visits to the dermatologist and a good at-home skincare routine, it is possible that you might develop a skin condition or two over the course of your lifetime. If you notice any changes in your skin, it’s wise to schedule an appointment with your dermatologist to determine the cause, and to treat the issue at hand. Scabies is a skin condition that can affect people from all backgrounds, and has nothing to do with personal hygiene. Read on to learn more about scabies.
Causes
The cause of scabies is a small mite that has been pestering humankind for over 2,500 years. The mite is microscopic in size, and the adult female burrows under the outer layer of skin to live and deposit her eggs. Because the mites are so small and the symptoms may be similar to other skin conditions, scabies can be hard to detect. If you are experiencing intense, painful itching, especially at night, it’s worth a visit to your dermatologist to determine the cause.
Symptoms
The most frequently reported symptom of scabies is persistent itching that’s worse at night. You may also notice small red bumps that resemble bites, pimples, or hives forming in the areas where you’re itchy. Any gradual or sudden skin changes that result in such intense discomfort should be examined by your dermatologist.
Risk Factors
Contrary to popular belief, having scabies does not mean that you’re dirty, unhygienic, or neglectful of your skin. Typically, scabies is transmitted from person to person in close quarters, such as between people who live in the same house or between sexual partners. Scabies spreads easily, especially in places such as nursing homes, prisons, and child care centers where there are many people in a relatively small area.
If you have noticed changes in your skin and you’re wondering if they could be due to scabies, call Arlington Dermatology in Arlington Heights at [company-phone id=1]. We treat chronic and acute skin conditions with the latest technology and a compassionate approach. Our board-certified dermatologists have been serving our patients for over 40 years.
