What are the signs and symptoms of scabies?
A red, itchy rash may be the only sign of scabies. Unfortunately, many other skin conditions have the same type of rash. Only a doctor can tell exactly what is causing a rash. He may have to do a “skin scraping,” to really find the mite and identify it under the microscope. This test may be accurate less than 50% of the time, because the doctor must scrape an occupied burrow. In addition, if this is the your first case of scabies, you won’t notice the rash and itching for about four to six weeks. Look for the burrows between the fingers and toes, under the breast, in the groin area and other warm, moist areas. The itching may seem more intense at night. Try to avoid scratching, since this may lead to secondary bacterial infection.
