Scabies is a skin condition caused by infestation with microscopic parasite mites. Although it can be acquired by anyone, scabies has the highest incidence in very young children and the elderly. Scabies is highly contagious and it can cause serious endemics in overcrowded orphanages, nursing homes and asylums. Due to their limited mobility, infants and elderly people are the most exposed to acquiring scabies during outbreaks. On the premises of a weak immune system, scabies can lead to serious bacterial or fungal infections, causing serious complications. Most of the symptoms of scabies occur due to allergic reactions to the mites� secretions and eggs. Once they find a human host, female mites burrow within the epidermis and lay their eggs, causing pruritic rashes, skin inflammation and severe itch. Later symptoms include pustules, blisters and linear burrows. People with compromised immune systems experience more intense symptoms of scabies and they present a higher risk of developing complications. When suffering from scabies, people with underlying immuno-deficitary conditions are very exposed to developing serious skin disorders such as impetigo. In addition to the common symptoms of scabies, people with weak immune systems can develop prominent skin lesions, nodules and crust. Common topical creams for […] read more