What causes scabies?
Q: What causes scabies?
A: Scabies is caused by infection with the female mite Sarcoptes scabiei.
Q: How does the mite live and reproduce?
A: The mite burrows into the skin to live and deposit eggs.
Q: What causes the symptoms of scabies?
A: The symptoms of scabies are due to an allergic reaction to the mites.
Q: How is scabies typically spread?
A: Scabies is usually spread by direct skin contact with an infected person (at least 10 minutes).
Q: Can scabies be spread even if the infected person does not have symptoms yet?
A: Yes, spread of disease may occur even if the person has not yet developed symptoms.
Q: What kinds of living conditions increase the risk of scabies spread?
A: Crowded living conditions, such as those found in child-care facilities, group homes, and prisons, increase the risk of spread.
Q: Are the mites visible to the naked eye?
A: The mite is very small and usually not directly visible.
