Common Misconceptions about Scabies
Because of the lack of education about scabies, there are a lot of common misconceptions that are often perceived as truth. One of the most common misconceptions is the only people who get scabies are dirty, lower class individuals. This is the farthest thing from the truth! Everyday, people such as teachers and medical professionals are exposed to the mites that cause scabies. Many of these exposures lead to that individual contracting scabies. To say that only the less fortunate get scabies is not only incorrect, but downright ignorant.
Another misconception about scabies is that dogs can transmit scabies to humans. Once again, this is completely untrue. Although dogs can get scabies, they are affected by a completely different mite than humans.
An additional common misconception is that children are somehow “immune” to scabies. In reality, children have the highest risk out of any demographic for contracting scabies. Because of their nature (constantly touching things, disregarding basic hygiene), it is very easy for children to carry and spread the mites that cause scabies. In addition to their propensity to being “ideal hosts” for the scabies causing mites, there is another special concern regarding scabies and children. In virtually every case of adult scabies, the face and scalp are unaffected by the rash. However, for one reason or another, children have a much higher risk of the scabies rash spreading to their face and scalp. If this event occurs, it can lead to some very serious complications for that unfortunate child. |
