Scabies is pandemic, being widespread all over the world, and periodically, can give rise to small epidemic outbreaks .
The most common mode of transmission of scabies is prolonged skin contact with an infested individual: it takes 15-20 minutes for the infection to occur.
Indirect transmission is rare, but can occur through the shared use of contaminated clothing, sheets and towels in the same family or community; mites can live for about 2 days away from human skin, clothing or beds.
The disease can affect anyone in any age group, regardless of gender or ethnicity, regardless of social status or hygiene. However, travel to areas endemic to scabies, conditions of promiscuity and poor sanitation are risk factors . More often young adults (who are transmitted mite by sexual contact) or elderly bedridden with diseases are affected. Furthermore, the immunosuppression exacerbates its course.
