Introduction

Do you have a rash that is so itchy it wakes you up from sleep? Or is your child crankier than usual from lack of sleep at night due to itching? If yes, you should look for rashes with small bumps on the body as they might indicate scabies. If one of the family members has it, you should look for it in others, as it spreads from one person to another when in close contact.  

Scabies, also known as Sarcoptes mange, is a condition caused by a tiny mite called Sarcoptes scabiei var hominis. It mainly occurs in tropical areas and crowded places. Your pets can also get scabies as this condition also affects animals, but the causative mite is different. The one affecting animals can cause an allergic reaction in humans, but cannot cause scabies as they cannot adapt and live on humans.