Scabies is a commonly occurring skin condition, also referred to as the ‘human itch’. The condition is highly contagious in nature and is caused by the underlying parasites known as mites. These mites are microscopic organisms which are burrowed deep into the human host. Scabies can occur to anyone, regardless of the age or the gender. The disease is more often seen in children, since they are more susceptible to the mites’ infestation.

It has been noticed that the condition spreads faster in crowded places such as playgrounds, parks or hospitals. Aged people as well as individuals with underlying immunity deficiencies such as AIDS are not able to cope up with the disease. Symptoms such as lesions and skin allergic conditions are more common amongst infants and younger children. Since mites can easily spread from one host to another, it would rather be difficult to prevent infestation. Scabies affect the less exposed parts of the body since they require warmer temperatures and moisture to survive.

You would often notice the appearance of mites on ankles, feet, knees, armpits, genitals and feet. Proper hygiene can reduce the risk of inducing the infection to the other parts of the body. It would be ideal to avoid all kinds of direct skin interaction with insalubrious objects and domestic animals. In adults, the most common form of transmission could vary from a simple handshake to sexual intercourse. Contaminated clothes or personal accessories of the infected individual could also cause scabies. The mites of scabies lie hidden under the skin and hence look for other hosts to reproduce themselves.