<Tr> <Td_colspan="2"> (edit on Wikidata) </Td> </Tr> <P> Scabies, previously known as the seven - year itch, is a contagious skin infestation by the mite Sarcoptes scabiei . The most common symptoms are severe itchiness and a pimple - like rash . Occasionally, tiny burrows may be seen in the skin . In a first ever infection a person will usually develop symptoms in between two and six weeks . During a second infection symptoms may begin in as little as 24 hours . These symptoms can be present across most of the body or just certain areas such as the wrists, between fingers, or along the waistline . The head may be affected, but this is typically only in young children . The itch is often worse at night . Scratching may cause skin breakdown and an additional bacterial infection of the skin . </P> <P> Scabies is caused by infection with the female mite Sarcoptes scabiei var . hominis . The mites burrow into the skin to live and deposit eggs . The symptoms of scabies are due to an allergic reaction to the mites . Often, only between 10 and 15 mites are involved in an infection . Scabies is most often spread during a relatively long period of direct skin contact with an infected person (at least 10 minutes) such as that which may occur during sex . Spread of disease may occur even if the person has not developed symptoms yet . Crowded living conditions, such as those found in child - care facilities, group homes, and prisons, increase the risk of spread . Areas with a lack of access to water also have higher rates of disease . Crusted scabies is a more severe form of the disease . It typically only occurs in those with a poor immune system and people may have millions of mites, making them much more contagious . In these cases, spread of infection may occur during brief contact or by contaminated objects . The mite is very small and usually not directly visible . Diagnosis is based on the signs and symptoms . </P> <P> A number of medications are available to treat those infected, including permethrin, crotamiton, and lindane creams and ivermectin pills . Sexual contacts within the last month and people who live in the same house should also be treated at the same time . Bedding and clothing used in the last three days should be washed in hot water and dried in a hot dryer . As the mite does not live for more than three days away from human skin, more washing is not needed . Symptoms may continue for two to four weeks following treatment . If after this time symptoms continue, retreatment may be needed . </P>

Where do the mites come from that cause scabies
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