How dangerous is Scabies if it's untreated?

Scabies is an itchy, highly contagious skin disease caused by an infestation by the itch mite Sarcoptes scabiei. Mites are small eight-legged parasites (in contrast to insects, which have six legs). read more

Scabies provokes itching and a crusty, pimple-like rash caused by an immune reaction to various human itch mite proteins. The rash develops 2 to 6 weeks after the initial infestation. If scabies is left untreated, the mites reproduce and the area of infestation enlarges and can spread to skin not previously affected. read more

The scabies mite (Sarcoptes scabiei) burrows into the skin to lay its eggs, and the process causes severe itching. Of course, other skin conditions can produce itching, including eczema or dermatitis, so see a physician. To diagnose scabies, your doctor examines your skin, looking for signs of mites, including the characteristic burrows. read more