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Scabies is a common and very itchy skin condition caused by human scabies mites. It can affect people of any age but is most common in the young.
What Causes Scabies?
The mites that cause scabies are tiny eight-legged parasites, smaller than a pinhead. They are usually picked up by prolonged direct skin-to-skin contact with someone who already has scabies, and only very rarely from objects such as clothing or bedding. Pets do not spread them. People with scabies have an average of about a dozen adult mites on their skin; a few carry many more. Being dirty does not cause scabies.
What are the Symptoms of Scabies?
Itching is the main symptom of scabies, usually starting about a month after the mites were picked up. The itching affects the body and limbs but usually spares the head and neck, except in infants. The itch often gets worse in bed at night. It is common for several people in the same family, and their friends, to become itchy at roughly the same time. |
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