Scabies facts for kids
Scabies is caused by infection with the female mite Sarcoptes scabiei. The mite is an ectoparasite. The mite burrows into the skin to live and deposit eggs.
The symptoms of scabies are due to an allergic reaction to the mites. Scabies is usally spread by direct skin contact with an infected person (at least 10 minutes). Spread of disease may occur even if the person has not yet developed symptoms. Crowded living conditions, such as those found in child-care facilities, group homes, and prisons, increase the risk of spread. Areas with a lack of access to water also have higher rates of disease.
The mite is very small and usually not directly visible.
Images for kids
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Commonly involved sites of rashes of scabies
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Crusted scabies in a person with AIDS
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Life cycle of scabies
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A photomicrograph of an itch mite (S. scabiei)
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Wax figurine of a man with Norwegian scabies
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Public health worker Stefania Lanzia using a soft toy scabies mite to publicise the condition in a 2016 campaign
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Scabies of the foot
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Scabies of the arm
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Scabies of the hand
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Scabies of the finger
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Day 4
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Day 8 (treatment begins)
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Day 12 (under treatment)
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Healed
See also
In Spanish: Sarna para niños
