Scabies is an easily spread skin disease caused by a very small
type of mite. Causes, incidence, and risk factors Scabies is
found among people of all groups and ages around the world. -
Scabies spread by skin-to-skin contact with another person has
scabies. - Less often it can be spread by sharing clothes or
bedding. Sometimes whole families are affected. Outbreaks of
scabies are more common in nursing homes, nursing facilities,
college dorms, and child care centers. The mites that cause
scabies burrow into the skin and lay their eggs. This forms a
burrow that looks like a pencil mark. Eggs hatch in 21 days. The
itchy rash is an allergic response to the mite. Pets and animals
cannot spread human scabies. It is also not very likely for
scabies to be spread by: - A swimming pool - Contact with the
towels, bedding, and clothing of someone who has scabies, unless
the person has what is called "crusted scabies" Itching, most
commonly at night Rashes, mostly between the fingers - Sores
(abrasions) on the skin from