No population appears immune to scabietic infestation. Children younger than 15 years have the highest prevalence of scabies. Other at-risk populations include persons who are sexually active, debilitated, or immunocompromised. It occurs more commonly in the fall and winter months. The signs and symptoms tend to crescendo progressively over 2-3 weeks before compelling the patient to seek medical attention.
Nocturnal pruritus is a highly characteristic complaint associated with scabies infestation.
Scabies is unusual in the neonate but it has been reported. Occasionally, the mite is visible to the naked eye as a small white dot. A small vesicle or papule may appear at the end of the burrow or occur independently. Bullous lesions may be observed in immunocompromised patients. Canine scabies does not exhibit the classic burrow.