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Scabies is a skin infestation caused by the Sarcoptes scabiei mite, which burrows into the skin and lays eggs. Scabies is highly contagious and can be spread through close physical contact, such as sharing clothing, bedding, or towels with an infected person.
Symptoms of scabies include:
Scabies can affect any part of the body, but it is most commonly found in the folds of the skin, such as between the fingers, wrists, elbows, and armpits. In children, scabies may also be found on the head, neck, and scalp.
Diagnosis of scabies may involve a physical exam and a skin scraping to look for the presence of mites or eggs under a microscope. Treatment usually involves topical creams or lotions containing insecticides, such as permethrin or benzyl benzoate, which kill the mites and their eggs. Oral medications may also be prescribed in some cases.
It is important to follow the treatment instructions carefully and to wash all clothing, bedding, and towels in hot water to prevent reinfestation. Family members and close contacts may also need to be treated to prevent the spread of scabies.