The scabies mite dates back over 2500 years in recorded history. But even with so many years of being plagued by this mite, there’s still a lot people don’t know about it. Here are a few facts you may want to learn.
The cause of scabies is a mite known as sarcoptes scabiei. It is microscopic, meaning you cannot see it without a microscope. It was first seen in the 16th century. However, pictures of scabies date back to the ancient Egyptians.
We now know that scabies is spread through extended human contact. You cannot catch it from a handshake or a hug, as the mite takes several minutes to pass from person to person. It can also spread through infected surfaces and linens. It lives up to three days without a human host, giving it time to spread.
Scabies prefer to infest certain areas of the body, including the elbows, knuckles and knees. These areas are generally rougher in texture than other surfaces of the skin.
It’s very important not to scratch when you have scabies. It will spread from one area of the body to another.
Reducing the itch is important. One way you can do this is through applying tea tree oil. Scabies home remedies can cause the mite to become inactive, which will relieve the itch.
You often don’t know you have scabies at first. However, you can still spread it, even without any symptoms.
To fully get rid of the scabies mite, everyone in the household has to be treated. Otherwise, you risk reinfecting each other. Even if they don’t have any symptoms, there’s a chance they could still have it.
Scabies has long had the stigma of being an STD associated with the infection. However, it usually spreads most virulently in close quarters, such as nursing homes and day care centers. Therefore, it is more than just a STD.