You pretty much need "skin to skin" contact. It's tough to get them from sheets or a toilet seat. Could a hand shake transmit them? Well, theoretically, but a more common scenario would be holding hands with someone frequently.

They start as VERY itchy little bumps, often on the hands or trunk. These then spread slowly to other sites. Nursing homes and day care centers sometimes have outbreaks, so if you have a loved one in either place, stay observant. Scabies are easily treatable by your doctor.

And...have a very Happy Thanksgiving!

Dr. Irwin's article on Moles, Lumps, and Bumps