Symptoms of Sarcoptic Mange in Humans

Humans can get sarcoptic mange, also known as scabies. It's caused by the scabies mite, which burrows into the skin and lays eggs. This is a different mite than the one that causes mange in dogs and cats. Those mites cannot live on humans for more than a few days. The scabies mite lives for two months and lays eggs every day. Infestations in humans can last for several months if treated, longer if untreated.

Symptoms

• Symptoms of sarcoptic mange may not appear for up to two months after you're infected. The most common sign is an intense itch that worsens at night. The itch starts subtly, then gradually becomes unbearable, making sleep nearly impossible.

  Additionally, mange causes a rash in adults that consists of small red bumps and blisters on the hands, feet, backs of knees and elbows, wrists, skin folds, genitals, and buttocks. Infants are usually affected on the head, face, palms, soles, and neck.

Transmission

• Sarcoptic mange is highly contagious and is transferred by skin-to-skin contact. The most common form of transmission is sexual. This type of mange is considered a sexually transmitted disease (STD).

Complications

• Intense scratching can cause bacterial infections such as Staphylococcus. People with compromised immune systems can develop crusted scabies, which is a severe infestation of thousands of sarcoptic mites throughout the body. The rash develops into scaly, wart-like sores. This severe form can thicken and discolor fingernails, but itching is usually minimal.

Treatment

• Treatment consists of a topical scabicidal ointment along with oral scabicidal drugs.