Is Scabies Contagious?

Scabies is one of the most troubling skin conditions, caused by infestation of ectoparasites. It is reported from all regions of the world, in which, incidences are higher in homeless people and those who reside in crowded areas. But, why is the occurrence of scabies more in crowded places? Is it contagious? If it is, then, is there a way to prevent this infection? Answers to all these questions lie in the following paragraphs.

The Causes

The organism responsible for causing scabies is the itch mite, scientifically represented as Sarcoptes scabiei. An exclusive feature for this ectoparasite is presence of 8 legs, which is uncommon in insects.

As per pathological studies, the female mite is responsible for scabies in humans. Size measuring about 0.3 mm, it is invisible to the naked eye. Itch mite can be identified using a microscope or a good magnifying lens. It hardly survives for 2-3 days outside the host body. However, while inside a host, it can thrive for around a month's period.

Is Scabies Really Contagious?

Yes, scabies is a contagious disease. In fact, it easily spreads from an infected person to another healthy individual through close contact. An infected mother hugging a child can spread the disease. Likewise, the major scabies cause is direct skin-to-skin contact, which results in transferring live mites to other people.

Other routes of contracting itch mites are sharing infested clothing, towels, and bedding. Nevertheless, a quick hug or just a handshake will not transmit the parasite.

Sexual contact is also a primary cause of transmission of the mites. Truly speaking, scabies is considered as a sexually transmitted disease (STD). This is because of the increased risk of spreading the mite from an infected partner to another.

Immediately after infection, scabies is asymptomatic. Usually, the rash and signs of itch mite infestation are observed within 2-8 weeks of infestation. This prolonged incubation period is a subject of concern with scabies. Because, even if there are no prominent signs, the individual having itch mite can spread it to other members in the family and friends. This is one of the reasons for scabies epidemic, which occurs in hospitals and community centers.

How Long is Scabies Contagious?

Symptoms of scabies are itching, red bumps, pimple-like nodules, and burrows in the skin. Common areas of infection are skin folds, webbing of fingers, elbow, knee, toes, and feet. Itching is intense, especially after 2 weeks of the first manifested signs. The intensity of skin discomfort is such that sleep is nearly impossible for most sufferers. It is also not unusual to have skin sores, which are caused due to constant scratching of the infected sites.

Many people want to know in what circumstances are scabies not contagious. There is no virtual sign or specific period as such. After burrowing the human skin, itch mite lays eggs underneath the skin. The eggs then hatch after 21 days & adult mites emerge. The adult parasites again infect other people, who come in close contact with the infected individual.

This cycle may continue for a long time, and the infected individual will experience skin rash and other symptoms for several months. The disease remains contagious, as along as the individual has live mites in the body.

In case of any suspected signs that resemble scabies symptoms, it is imperative to get medical attention as soon as possible. Prompt treatment is essential to avoid further spreading to other people. After diagnosis, the doctor will recommend antihistamines to relieve itching and scabicide cream to kill mites. With therapeutic treatment and application of skin creams as directed by the doctor, scabies can be cured effectively.