What Causes Norwegian Scabies?
These mites burrow into warm, moist areas of the body and are easily transmitted from direct skin contact with a person who has scabies. Very often, sharing personal items such as clothing, towels, bed linen and hairbrushes may also contribute to the infestation of Norwegian scabies. A rash develops that is crusted with flakes of skin that falls off affected areas of the body. The rash will develop into lesions and eventually, start looking like warts. The mites can be found in these flakes of skin and as a result this condition is highly contagious. Common areas of the body that are affected include the scalp, palms, fingernails, elbows, knees, and soles of the feet. Norwegian scabies usually affect elderly people and those with compromised immune systemswho have HIV or have developed AIDS, or lymphoma. Very often, Norwegian scabies develops in congested areas such as hospitals and nursing facilities. With prompt treatment, Norwegian scabies can be controlled.
