Because scabies can spread so easy and so rapidly, the question how do you get scabies is more than in place – it should have top priority!
Avoiding scabies is by far easier and less stressful than being ignorant about it and getting infected with them sheerly by saying “it can’t happen to me”.
So, let’s have a look at how do you get scabies?
My answer is “too easy”.
Scabies are, like mosquitoes, dependent on their ability to spread, their “success” is depending on the wast numbers of them. To survive, they have to spread rapidly from host to host – from skin to skin, from human to human.
Scabies are tiny mites that live under your skin, eating it and laying eggs. While they burrow tiny tunnels in your skin, eating and laying their eggs, they cause intense itching, which in turn causes you to start scratching.
By scratching you tear your skin and pick up scabies mites and eggs with your fingernails. Later, when you touch any other part of your body, scabies “jump” from under your fingernails to this place you’re scratching.
This way, you actually help scabies to spread. But it’s not only when you’re scratching. It’s also whenever you touch any clothing, towels, your bedding, almost any fabric in your home AND in your car!
Scabies can live up to 14 days without host in your furniture and clothing! First symptoms of scabies infection does not look special in any way. It can easily be misdiagnosed as any other rash causing skin disease – dermatitis or any form of allergy.
This is why I urge you to not be ignorant when it comes to “how do you get scabies” question. It takes from 2 to 6 weeks after initial infection for first symptoms to start showing. And if you brush it off as simple allergic reaction, you are basically giving scabies time to spread even further.
Even if scabies can be treated in a very short period of time, I’d still rather avoid them than cure scabies infection.
It’s much easier to prevent scabies infection than it is to cure it. Curing scabies infection takes time and a lot of nerves. It’s just simpler to learn about them and avoid taking risky actions.
