Scabies is a very itchy skin condition caused by tiny mites that burrow into the skin. It spreads easily through close skin contact and shared bedding or clothes, so whole families, schools and crowded homes are often affected. It is not dangerous and is easily treated, but everyone in the home must be treated at the same time.
Symptoms
Intense itching, worse at night
Small red bumps or blisters
Thin, wavy lines on the skin (burrows)
Common between the fingers, on the wrists, elbows, armpits, waist and genitals
In babies: also on the palms, soles, face and scalp
Sores from scratching that can become infected
Causes
Scabies mites (Sarcoptes scabiei) that live in the skin
Close skin-to-skin contact with an infected person
Sharing beds, blankets, towels or clothes
Crowded living conditions
Prevention
Treat everyone in the household at the same time, even those without itching
Wash bedding, towels and clothes in hot water and dry them in the sun
Items that cannot be washed can be sealed in a bag for 3 days
Avoid sharing beds and clothes with an infected person until treated
Treatment
A scabies cream or lotion such as permethrin, applied to the whole body from the neck down and washed off after the time on the label
Repeat the treatment after 7 days
Treat all family members and close contacts at the same time
Itching can continue for 2 to 4 weeks after successful treatment
Some people need tablets prescribed by a doctor
Use medicines as advised by a doctor or pharmacist, especially for babies and pregnant women
Common questions
Why is everyone in the family treated?
Family members can carry the mites for weeks before they start to itch. If only one person is treated, the others will pass it back again.
Is scabies a sign of being dirty?
No. Anyone can get scabies, even very clean people. It spreads through close contact, not because of poor hygiene.
