Scabies is a curable skin disease caused by the parasite, Sarcoptes scabiei.
Scabies is transmitted through close physical contact with a person who is infected or prolonged contact with infested linens, furniture, or clothing.
Symptoms (most common itching) usually occur within 4 to 6 weeks after infection. Symptoms will begin within 1 to 4 days in a person who has been infected with scabies before.
A person is considered infectious from the time of infestation until treatment is successfully completed.
The only way for a person to know if he/she is infected with scabies is through a test.
Secondary infection may occur due to continued, aggressive scratching.
Crusted scabies, also known as Norwegian scabies, is a severe infestation of scabies. It normally occurs in people with compromised immune systems, such as the elderly and HIV-infected individuals.
The only way to prevent infestation with scabies is avoid direct contact with infested people, bed linens, clothing, and furniture.
Latex condoms, while not considered to be effective against scabies transmission, can prevent the transmission of other STDs.