Other than regular scabies, there is only one type of scabies i.e. Norwegian scabies also known as Crusted scabies. Norwegian scabies originated in Norway, attributed to the scabies mite and named as 'Scabies Norvegic Boeckii'.
The major difference between Norwegian scabies and regular scabies lies on the number of mites present on an infected person. In regular scabies, the number of mites is, on average, 10 to 15 on the other hand, people with Norwegian scabies will have thousands to millions of mites. The type of mite in both presentations is usually the same.
The only way to acquire the infection is by direct contact with an infected patient or by contact with infected linens, clothing, or furniture. The rash is heavily crusted with flakes of skin falling off, with thickening of skin on protruding parts of the body such as the elbows, knees, palms, and soles.
Norwegian or crusted scabies is a severe form of this infestation often found in people with weakened immune systems.
