One of the most common symptoms of scabies is itchy skin. Although the area that has been affected by scabies may itch all day long, it is quite common for the itching to be at its worst during the night. The skin itself may be covered in a rash or simply have a rash in areas.
Other symptoms include sores and abrasions on the skin and thin lines on the skin that are sometimes referred to as pencil mark lines because of their shape. These pencil mark lines are the result of mites burrowing into the skin in order to deposit their eggs, which take about three weeks to mature. The rash that accompanies the thin pencil mark lines is the skin’s allergic reaction to the mites.
Symptoms of scabies are likely to affect people of different age groups in different manners. Babies are generally affected in more widespread areas than older children and adults. They may show the symptoms on the trunks of their bodies as well as on the palms of their hands and soles of their feet. Young children commonly show the symptoms on their heads, necks, upper bodies, as well as on their soles and palms. Adults and older children will usually have affected areas on their wrists, hands, abdomens, and genitals.
The best way to avoid scabies is to avoid contact with people who are suffering from the condition. Also, it is important not to share clothing and bedding with people who are suffering from scabies. This is because the mites can live in soft materials such as cloth for a time. As such, it is common for the disease to affect an entire family at once.
The symptoms of scabies and the root cause itself — the mites that cause the condition — can be treated with a topical cream. For more serious cases, oral medication may be required. Also, as the mites that cause scabies can live in fabric, it is important to wash all bed linens and clothing that may have come into contact with the person or persons experiencing the symptoms of scabies. This includes wash cloths and bath towels, all of which should be washed in hot water and bleach. Depending on how much time the person with symptoms of scabies spent sitting in cloth-covered chairs or couches, the coverings on those pieces of furniture may require cleaning as well.