Babies may also have scabies on the head, hands and feet. The disease may be spread through direct contact, even a hand shake. Occasionally, crowded conditions or communal living can lead to small epidemics. Children playing together may spread the scabies from one to another. If you suspect you have scabies, visit your dermatologist or family physician, who can confirm the diagnosis by microscopic examination of skin scrapings for the mites or eggs.
Treatment is readily available.
The itching will, however, often persist for several weeks even after successful treatment. It is essential that all family members, boyfriends or girlfriends be treated at the same time whether they have itching or not. They may have scabies without any itching. Treatment must be carried out as directed. Usually a cream or lotion is applied to the entire body surface except face and scalp and is left on for 12- 24 hours.