by Michelle Sprecher

Created on: May 09, 2008   Last Updated: May 12, 2008

SCABIES
What is scabies? Scabies is caused by the scabies mite. It is a parasite barely visible to the human eye; it has eight legs and a round body. The life cycle of the scabies mite is eight days from egg to adult, which makes for a very aggressive spread of this communicable disease. Once infected with this small creature the adult female goes to work laying eggs and causing its' host discomfort.

SYMPTOMS OF SCABIES
Recognizing the symptoms of scabies is essential in getting the proper treatment underway as soon as possible to stop the life cycle of the mite and control the scabies rash from getting infected or spreading. It may take two to six weeks for symptoms to show after being exposed. Look on line for pictures of the scabies rash.

Scabies symptoms include most notably the itch and also a rash consisting of small red papules that sometimes form a crust or scab. Sometimes a red line is visible where the mite has tunneled its' way under the skin. Not every itch or scratch means that you have scabies. Only a look under the microscope can determine if mites are causing the symptoms. A dermatologist or doctor should be able to help with the diagnosis.

THE SPREAD OF SCABIES
How is scabies spread? Scabies is very contagious and can spread quickly by contact with the adult mite, who then migrates to a rough patch then burrow into the skin, where it lays eggs to incubate and hatch, while leaving behind feces and dead material. This causes the victim to itch and then when they touch other areas it keeps the cycle going. The mites move very slowly, but can be found lurking on clothing or shared towels or bedding and "rub off" onto someone. Scabies are known to spread quickly in day care centers and nursing homes where the proper cleaning of hands after giving personal cares has not taken place. Also, the normal play contact by kids is a good vehicle for the spread of scabies. It is also important to note that scabies can be spread before any symptoms are present. An adult mite can live off of their host for up to 24- 36 hours.

TREATMENT OPTIONS
When it comes to choosing how to treat scabies, you will find that there is more than one choice. Most medical doctors will prescribe scabies medicines that are very harsh. They include sulfur soaps, borates, permethrin creams and other chemicals and pesticides. An alternative natural scabies treatment that is very effective when followed step by step is a product from Dremisil.com called Dermisil for Scabies, which is 100 percent

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