Scabies is an infestation of the skin with the microscopic mite Sarcoptes scabei.
How did I get scabies?
By direct, prolonged, skin-to-skin contact with a person already infested with scabies. Contact must be for an extended period of time, a quick handshake or hug will usually not spread the scabies mite. The mite can be easily spread to sexual partners and household members and can occur by using or sharing clothing, towels, and bedding with someone who has scabies.
What are signs or symptoms of scabies?
Red burrows or rash lines in the skin.
Intense itching that can increase at night or after a shower.
Pimple-like irritations.
The rash lines or burrows may tend occur in close skin to skin contact areas such as the bends in the elbows or knees. Between the fingers, around the groin, under armpits.
Curiously, scabies rarely affect the areas above the neck line such as the face or scalp.
Can I get animal scabies or mange?
No. Animals tend to carry a different type of mite that cannot live on humans for more than a couple of days and cannnot reproduce. You may have some itching for a brief period but nothing like you would experience with "human" scabies.
Several lotions are available to treat scabies. Tea Tree oil has been shown to help. There are also some doctor prescribed scabies treatments. Anyone living around the person with scabies needs to be treated also. All linens need to be washed.
You can get a better picture of scabies and more information by following one of the links in this article.