How Do You Get Scabies? -- A Summary
Scabies is a highly contagious condition caused by the scabies mite
(Sarcoptes scabiei). Scabies transmission occurs by direct, prolonged, skin-to-skin contact with a person already infested with the mites. Contact must be prolonged (a quick handshake or hug will usually not spread infestation). Infestation is easily spread to sexual partners and household members. It may also occur by sharing clothing, towels, and bedding.
In children, scabies transmission commonly occurs at
daycare, school, or sleepovers.
You do not get scabies as a result of poor hygiene.
How Do You Get Scabies? -- Nursing Homes
Scabies transmission in nursing homes is a problem. For unknown reasons, scabies in nursing homes is more severe than the typical scabies infestation, possibly requiring more than one application of
scabies treatment. People who get scabies in nursing homes may have different
symptoms of scabies than is typical. The rash may affect the face and scalp, but not other, more common areas. In a nursing home, severe itching may be the only symptom of scabies a person experiences.
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