Scabies symptoms, though easy to identify, are not known by many people, yet this condition can afflict thousands of people every year. One of the first things you should know is that the symptoms associated with scabies will not appear until two weeks after an infestation has occurred. Regardless of the symptoms appearing, scabies are still as contagious as ever. The mites are still contagious, even though there are no symptoms to be seen. You can still be infested with scabies, even if you are the most cleanly person. These little bugs can actually spread through direct physical contact or by touching an object that has them on it.

Even though the primary symptom is intense itching, the first time a person is infested with mite, it will not cause itching for around two weeks. However, even though there is no itching, the person is still able to pass the mite to someone else.

So regardless of the lack of the symptom, if they have the mites, you can still get them. Although it takes a few weeks, your body's immune system will become aware of the mites that have burrowed into your skin. Once your body has this realization, the itching will occur because it is, in essence, an allergic reaction. So that means the initial period, of a few weeks, for a first-time infestation means the person can pass it to someone else without their knowing it.

The places where the symptoms of scabies are very commonly seen are varied and located about the body. Scabies like to populate the skin folds and crevices such as those you find on the inside of your wrist. Another place is in the webbing between your fingers. The armpits are conducive to scabies growth and infestation most likely because the area will be moist. Other areas are the waist line, the navel, and on the elbows, but on the surface that is outside in orientation. Then there are gender specific areas of likely infestation, as well.

Colleges and universities in America, opposed to other public locations, has a higher amount of scabies cases nationwide. This information comes directly from public health related organizations as well as college campuses. Sexual intercourse is not necessary for scabies to be spread; it requires only direct contact between two people. Prolonged skin to skin contact is necessary though, and of course intimate contact without intercourse is possible and can result in spreading the condition. As you can see, the more sexual partners that you may have, the higher probability there is of you getting scabies and spreading it to others.

Scabies infestation sites are easy to recognize and they follow a predictable pattern. They can also turn up just about anywhere on your body. The area of your body that becomes infested first will be a direct result of from whom or how you acquired the mites. As an example, many of your personal effects, or those of other people, can harbor mites. Once you realize that you have a scabies infestation, be aware that your bedding, clothing, towels, etc., could also be infested and make sure they are washed before someone else touches them.