Scabies are usually picked up through bedding or contact with contaminated clothing. The rash associated with scabies is usually localized to a small area, often circular.
Diane, contact dermatitis (skin allergy) is the most likely suspect, but without seeing the rash, even a doctor couldn't give you a specific diagnosis. If you are concerned, go to any local Walgreen's. Their health clinics are a lifesaver. The rates are reasonable and you are usually in and out within an hour. You can even go online and check out your waiting time before going.
Originally Posted by SinsOfTheFlesh
All of the above statements can be true. However, a full blown case of the mites can be very painful. Scabies is a parasite, called the itch mite of humans. The skin disease is commonly referred to as the seven year itch. The Females, 0.33 mm. to 0.45 mm. in length by 0.35 mm. in width. Males are half that size. The females are the most irritating.
" These mites prefer surfaces of the body where the skin is less thick, such as the breast, penis, shoulder blades, or between the fingers. Nevertheless, they do infect other parts of the body. Irritation to the host is caused by the burrowing of the mites, particularly females, and by the secretion and excretion of toxic substances within the host's epidermis. The irritation is often complicated by scratching and secondary infections…. Each female oviposts from 10 to 25 eggs at 2 to 3 day intervals for about 2 months, after which she perished"
"The Biology of Animal Parasites" by Thomas C. Cheng, Ph.D
W.B. Saunders Company 1964. See pages 539 to 541.
In other words each female that you get on your body will produce about 420 offspring in two months, who will each product about 420 offspring each in another two months. One female can produce an average of 176,000 little mites shitting under your skin in about four months.
Varieties of Sarcoptes
scabies occur on domestic animals, each causing a skin condition known as mange. There are different species that are found on pigs, horses, cows and dogs. The variety on dogs (var.
canis) is transmittable to man.
You made me get out an old text book (I paid $73.50 for the thing in 1964: still have the price tag at the front of the book. The paragraphs on S.
scabies is still marked in the margin with a red line, meaning: KNOW THIS SECTION FOR THE EXAM.
But, not only have I studied this. I have seen it and treated it. It can be small and circular in the first stages of the irritation. But it can rapidly be blown way beyond a small infestation.
Because, it can be easily transmitted and likes to reside on the penis and the breast one should pay attention to any rash that develops in this area. I have not been involved with a medical treatment facility in over 45 years, but I remember this little parasite because it connected the text book with actual human suffering.