Scabies is a skin condition caused by infestation with the Sarcoptes scabiei var. hominis mite. The microscopic scabies mites burrow into the upper layer of the skin to live and lay eggs. The most common symptoms of scabies are intense itching and a pimple-like skin rash. Scabies mites are spread through prolonged, direct skin-to-skin contact with a person who has scabies.
Scabies can occur anywhere on the body, but the mites tend to burrow into skin between the fingers, in the wrists, elbows, armpits, waistline, genitals, breasts, and shoulders. Let’s take a closer look at where scabies bites are most likely to occur on the body:
Hands
The hands, especially between the fingers, are one of the most common places for scabies infestations. The mites can easily spread from hand to hand with direct contact. You may notice small burrows or tiny pimple-like bites on the webbed skin between the fingers. The wrists are also prone to infestation.
Scabies of the hands causes severe itching, which gets worse at night. Scratching the areas between the fingers can lead to crusting, scales, and thickened skin. Tiny blisters or scaly bumps may also develop on the hands.
Wrists and Elbows
The wrists and elbows are common sites for scabies infestation. These areas often touch infested areas of the hands or arms, allowing the mites to spread. At the wrists, you may notice a red, bumpy rash or small bites along the interior creases. Scabies rashes can also spread up the forearm from the wrist.
On the elbows, scabies rashes tend to occur along the folds on the inside. The mites and eggs easily spread to the delicate skin along the elbow creases. Intense itching and a pimple-like rash are hallmark symptoms. Scratching can cause crusty, scaly patches to develop on the elbows.
Underarms
Another common place for scabies infestation is the underarms, or axilla region. Mites spread easily to the sensitive skin of the underarms. The underarm skin also stays warm and moist, which mites prefer. You’ll likely notice a red, bumpy rash with scaly areas from scratching. Tiny burrow tracks may be visible.
Scabies in the underarm causes severe itching that gets worse at night or when sweating. The itch-scratch cycle can cause thicker skin and light scarring. The rash tends to be most prominent along the borders of the underarm next to the arm.
Genitals
The genital area is prone to scabies infestation, both in men and women. In women, the mites can hide out in the folds of skin of the vulva and vaginal area. Genital scabies rashes cause redness and itching of the labia, vagina opening, and pubic mound region. Tiny blisters may also develop.
In men, scabies rashes and mite burrows commonly affect the penis, scrotum, and groin. Red bumps, scale-like spots, and itchy burrows may be visible. Scabies spreads easily during sexual contact.
Genital scabies causes intense itching, especially at night. Scratching the area can lead to thicker skin and discoloration. Strong urges to scratch will disrupt sleep.
Buttocks
The buttocks are also susceptible to scabies infestation. When sitting, the buttocks are in direct contact with furniture, towels, or clothes that may harbor mites. Outbreaks often start around the crease between the buttocks and thighs.
You’ll notice a very itchy rash on the buttocks with bumps and tiny spots from burrows. The mites spread all over the buttocks as you scratch. Thicker, discolored skin can develop from repeated scratching.
Waistline and Torso
Scabies rashes frequently develop along the waistline, where underwear or pants fit snugly. Mites easily spread from underwear to the lower belly and love handles region. Tiny burrows with a pimple-like appearance can spread around the waist and even up onto the lower back.
The upper back, chest, breasts, and belly can also develop scabies infestations. These areas come into contact with infested clothing or towels. The mites spread in areas where skin rubs together, like beneath the breasts or on the side of the torso.
Shoulders
Lastly, the shoulders are prime targets for scabies. When infested clothing rubs against the shoulders, mites take the opportunity to burrow into the skin. The rash frequently occurs along the shoulder blades and where the upper arms contact the shoulders.
Intense itching leads to scratching, causing the scabies rash to spread down the shoulders and upper back. Thick crusts and scaly skin eventually develop from repeated scratching. The condition is very contagious through skin-to-skin contact.
Other Common Areas
While the hands, wrists, elbows, underarms, genitals, waist, and shoulders are most susceptible, scabies can theoretically occur anywhere on the body. Other common sites include:
– Feet – especially between the toes
– Ankles
– Back of knees
– Nipples
– Stomach
– Buttocks
– Thighs
Mites easily spread to skin folds and tender areas that touch infected regions. Nighttime itching and rashes help identify infested spots.
Conclusion
In summary, scabies is highly contagious and the mites can spread across the body quickly. But the hands, wrists, underarms, elbows, shoulders, genitals, waist, and buttocks tend to be affected most often. These areas allow mites to spread through direct skin contact or contact with infested clothes or furniture. The burrowing mites create an itchy rash with tiny bumps and burrow tracks visible. See a dermatologist right away if you suspect scabies. Proper diagnosis and treatment are key to getting rid of the mites and rash.