Although he is a little fellow, you know he is there. Scabies is found on all social levels. Contact, even by a handshake, is all that is needed to acquire it. It can also be transmitted through clothing and bed linen. It is more common in older adolescents and young people, and in girls rather than boys.
People can also get it from touching dogs, other animals, or their bedding.
It is a special problem in institutions, such as nursing homes, etc. Scabies can only be accurately diagnosed by taking skin scrapings and viewing them under a microscope. If one person in a family has them, it is generally well to treat everyone. Children under 15 are often the first to contract them. In addition, it will stain clothing and does not smell good.