Scabies is a very contagious type of skin disorder caused by infestation with microscopic mites. The parasite mite that causes scabies in humans is called Sarcoptes scabiei var. hominis. This type of parasitic organism is the only scabies mite that can complete its life cycle on the bodies of human hosts. Although animal mites can also cause temporary allergic reactions to people, they are unable to infest humans.
The majority of symptoms generated by scabies occur as a consequence of allergic reactions to the mites secretions and eggs. The mites feed on human blood and they contaminate the skin with their bites, releasing substances that are toxic to the human body. Once they burrow within the epidermis, scabies mites cause inflammation, rashes and itch. If scabies is not discovered in time, the mite infestation can generate serious symptoms such as skin lesions and ulcerations, formation of crust, painful nodules, blisters and pustules. The skin regions affected by scabies are very vulnerable to bacterial infections and some patients also develop skin disorders such as impetigo.
There are many misconceptions and unfunded ideas regarding scabies. Due to the...