Scabies on the Head and Scalp
Scabies is an extremely contagious skin condition which is caused due to the underlying parasites beneath the surface of the skin. The mites that cause scabies on humans are called "Sarcoptes scabiei var. hominis". It can easily spread while coming into contact with the infected individual.
Rash is one of the most common symptoms of scabies, therefore it can often be mistaken for other skin conditions such as eczema or allergies. Scabies can become pretty severe if not diagnosed in time. Being contagious in nature, it can cause epidemics in crowded nursing homes, kindergartens, orphanages and schools.
In cases when there are Norwegian scabies, the appearance of scabies in elderly people or babies can also affect the scalp. Such a form of scabies would have hundreds of mites burrowed deep in the skin and cause rash, itch and inflammation. Mites responsible for scabies are microscopic in nature and their presence on the human host could be extremely difficult to reveal. Also, a majority of the symptoms of scabies are unspecific in nature and emerge after a few weeks of infection.
Usually, mites could be found in the lesser exposed parts of the skin such as the skin folds between the toes, fingers, elbows, buttocks, armpits and the pubic region. In worst cases, the scabies can also infest the face and the scalp. The symptoms are revealed since the body tends to develop allergic reactions to the eggs or the faecal matter secreted by the mites. If scabies are not eliminated in time, they can lead to serious skin disorders such as impetigo.
Rash is one of the most common symptoms of scabies, therefore it can often be mistaken for other skin conditions such as eczema or allergies. Scabies can become pretty severe if not diagnosed in time. Being contagious in nature, it can cause epidemics in crowded nursing homes, kindergartens, orphanages and schools.
In cases when there are Norwegian scabies, the appearance of scabies in elderly people or babies can also affect the scalp. Such a form of scabies would have hundreds of mites burrowed deep in the skin and cause rash, itch and inflammation. Mites responsible for scabies are microscopic in nature and their presence on the human host could be extremely difficult to reveal. Also, a majority of the symptoms of scabies are unspecific in nature and emerge after a few weeks of infection.
Usually, mites could be found in the lesser exposed parts of the skin such as the skin folds between the toes, fingers, elbows, buttocks, armpits and the pubic region. In worst cases, the scabies can also infest the face and the scalp. The symptoms are revealed since the body tends to develop allergic reactions to the eggs or the faecal matter secreted by the mites. If scabies are not eliminated in time, they can lead to serious skin disorders such as impetigo.