What is it and how is it passed on?
Scabies is a common skin infection caused by a tiny mite invisible to the naked eye. The female mite burrows under the skin to lay her eggs. These become adult mites in about ten days.
The scabies mites are easily passed on through close physical contact with an infected person. The mites can live for 72 hours away from the body so it's possible for scabies to be spread through clothing, bedding and towels.
You can't catch scabies through sharing cups, plates or cutlery, or from toilet seats or swimming pools.
Signs and symptoms
Scabies can occur anywhere on the body, but sometimes the signs are hard to see. Symptoms can appear weeks after first contact and include itching (especially at night), a rash and tiny spots.
The mites concentrate in the body's skin creases and are commonly found:
- on the hands, especially between and along the side of the fingers
- under the arms
- on the wrists and elbows
- on the genitals
- underneath the buttocks
Testing and treatment
Tests for scabies are simple and involve:
- a physical examination by a doctor or nurse
- taking a skin flake from one of the spots and examining it under a microscope
- taking a full medical history
Treatment for scabies is simple and involves applying a special cream or lotion all over the body.
The itching or rash may continue after treatment and take a few weeks to clear up, although a calming skin lotion may help with this.
To avoid re-infection, close contacts, family members and sexual partners should be treated too. Close personal contact should be avoided until treatment is completed and the infection has cleared up.
What happens if scabies isn't treated?
Scabies doesn't cause any long-term health problems.
Where to go for help and advice
You can talk to your GP or go to a genitourinary medicine (GUM) clinic. Such clinics diagnose and treat all STIs for free. They're completely confidential and your GP won't be informed without your consent. You can go to any clinic in the country for advice or treatment.
How to avoid STIs
1. Before you have sex, talk to your partner about how to protect yourselves.
2. A male or female condom can provide protection from most STIs if used correctly every time you have sex.
3. Become familiar with how to use condoms and have a supply ready.
4. Seek advice straight away if you think you've been at risk.
Scabies News:
Itching - Title: Itching
Category: Diseases and Conditions
Created: 1/8/2001 7:58:00 AM
Last Editorial Review: 5/24/2010
Sexually Transmitted Diseases in Men (STDs in Men) - Title: Sexually Transmitted Diseases in Men (STDs in Men)
Category: Diseases and Conditions
Created: 4/4/2000
Last Editorial Review: 5/13/2010
Sexually Transmitted Diseases in Women (STDs) - Title: Sexually Transmitted Diseases in Women (STDs)
Category: Diseases and Conditions
Created: 12/31/1997
Last Editorial Review: 4/1/2010
Rash - Title: Rash
Category: Diseases and Conditions
Created: 12/31/1997
Last Editorial Review: 2/24/2010
Image Collection: Picture of Scabies - Title: Image Collection: Picture of Scabies
Category: Images
Created: 10/21/2009 9:17:00 AM
Last Editorial Review: 10/21/2009 9:17:36 AM
Scabies Pictures Slideshow: Stop the Itch Mite - Title: Scabies Pictures Slideshow: Stop the Itch Mite
Category: Slideshows
Created: 5/11/2009
Last Editorial Review: 5/12/2009
Hospitals: Can Yours Handle Your Emergency? - Title: Hospitals: Can Yours Handle Your Emergency?
Category: Doctor's Views
Created: 3/16/2009
Last Editorial Review: 3/16/2009
Impetigo - Title: Impetigo
Category: Diseases and Conditions
Created: 12/3/1999 3:39:00 PM
Last Editorial Review: 2/19/2009
Bad Bugs Pictures Slideshow: Identify Bugs and Their Bites - Title: Bad Bugs Pictures Slideshow: Identify Bugs and Their Bites
Category: Slideshows
Created: 6/2/2008
Last Editorial Review: 6/3/2008
What Is Norwegian Scabies? - Title: What Is Norwegian Scabies?
Category: Doctor's Views
Created: 1/11/2008
Last Editorial Review: 1/11/2008
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