Scabies: a contagious skin condition
Scabies infections are caused by parasites or mites belonging to Genus Sarcoptes. These parasites enter human skin to lay eggs. The mites generally die off after a few weeks, but they continue to cause discomfort to humans, particularly if the source (canine/feline scabies) is left untreated. Human scabies mites normally do not affect pets.
Here are a few tell-tale signs and symptoms of scabies in humans:
- Scabies is characterized by intense itching and an angry rash.
- A person with scabies can sometimes go without symptoms for weeks.
- However, once the skin reacts, the tell tale signs include intense itching especially at nighttime.
- A Pimple like red rash with scales or blisters may develop.
- The relentless scratching can lead to sores and secondary infection.
- The hallmark of a scabies rash is a burrow-like track left behind by the mites. These are tunnels created by female scabies mites for laying 8 to 25 eggs at a given time.
Often, there is a comparison between flea bites vs scabies rashes. But, telling them apart is easy since scabies is characterized by a relentless itch, which is worst in kids and elderly.
Flea bites
Fleas are ectoparasites associated with pets. However, in absence of pets, fleas can bite humans. Often a comparison between flea bites vs scabies results in their being mistaken for each other. However, unlike scabies mites, fleas do not live on the human hosts. Fleas prefer warmer, hairier environments like pet hair. Fleas generally bite humans and jump off to hide in carpets, under the rugs, furniture etc. They leave a tell tale rash on the human skin, particularly in people with sensitivity to proteins in flea saliva. The flea bites appearance is distinctive and includes:
- Tiny red bumps
- A red halo or raised area surrounding the epicenter of the actual bite
- Flea bites are usually seen in groups or patterns of 3 or 4 typically in a straight line
- They typically arise on the lower extremities like ankles, legs, feet etc.
Flea bites, like scabies can be itchy. Some people are known to develop hives or allergic reactions that can lead to secondary skin sores.
Summary of flea bites vs scabies
| Flea Bites | Scabies |
| Flea bites appear in the form of groups of three or four, generally in a linear pattern | Scabies appear in a tunnel or burrow like rash beneath the skin |
| Characterized by raised bumps or halo surrounding the actual bite site | Characterized by pimple like rash that leads to intense itching at nighttime |
| Concentrated in the lower extremities like feet, legs etc | Can occur anywhere on the body including the web of skin between fingers and toes, folds of the wrists, on the waist, under the breasts or genitals etc |
| Fleas do not live on humans, they prefer hairier and warmer environment like pet hair | Scabies mites live on human skin and even lay eggs beneath it. |
| Fleas can bite anyone. Infestations are common in households with pets. | Scabies rashes are more common in children and elderly. Infestations occur in day cares, hospitals, assisted living facilities etc |
| Flea bite rashes are not contagious. | Scabies can spread from skin-to-skin contact, direct sexual contact, or contact between family members. |
| Fleas are capable of jumping long distances | Scabies mites cannot jump nor fly. They crawl very slowly. |
Thus, there are many differences between flea bites vs scabies rashes. However, both, when left untreated can lead to several complications including secondary, harder-to-treat infections. Hence, any type of skin lesions, itching or rashes must be acted upon immediately to prevent further complications.
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