Skin mites are a group of microscopic organisms that burrow into a mammal's skin. For humans, most skin mites are not a problem. A few, however, are easily transmitted and spread. In most cases, the mites are transmitted from person to person. In a few cases, mites are spread by humans coming in contact with the organism.
Types
Scabies, chiggers and house dust mites are the most common skin mites that affect humans.
Symptoms
Intense itching, redness and swelling of the affected area are the most common symptoms of skin mites.
Transmission
Scabies are transmitted from another infected person, while chiggers are picked up in grassy, rural areas. House dust mites attach to human skin and are common in homes.
Diagnosis
To properly diagnose skin mites, a health care professional will take skin samples and scrape the affected area for further examination.
Treatment
Permethrin, lindane and sulfur are commonly prescribed treatments for scabies. For other skin mites, a shower or bath typically gets rid of the problem.
Considerations
All bedding, towels, clothing and furniture should be treated in order to stop further disease transmission. Pesticide use in the yard will kill chiggers.
Tags: affected area, cases mites, dust mites, most common, skin mites