Scabies is one of the more common infections, because it is easily passed on through skin contact.  Scabies occurs worldwide and affects people of all races and social classes. Scabies can spread rapidly under crowded conditions where close body contact is frequent. Institutions such as nursing homes, extended-care facilities, and prisons are often sites of scabies outbreaks.

Human Scabies is caused by an infestation of the skin by the tiny parasitic human itch mite (Sarcoptes scabiei var. hominis). The microscopic scabies mite burrows into the upper layer of the skin where it lives and lays its eggs.

The mites can't be seen, and some people only get very mild itching which they don't realize is due to scabies.  For some people the itching can be intense, usually starting two to six weeks after infection.  Another common symptom of scabies besides intense itching is a pimple-like rash.  This occurs when the mites burrow under the skin and leave red lines, especially between your fingers and around the wrists.  The mites can also be found on your feet, buttocks, stomach, anus, penis and testicle (balls).

Scabies is easily passed on through body contact during sex.  The scabies mite usually is spread by direct, prolonged, skin-to-skin contact with a person who has scabies.  It can be passed on through sharing clothes, towels and bedding, but this is unlikely. 

There's no way of stopping yourself getting scabies, but if you have them you can prevent it spreading by:

* making sure that people who you've had sex with, or who've shared your bed, towels or clothes, are also treated
* washing any clothing, bedding and towels on a hot wash
* dry-cleaning any leather clothing

Products used to treat scabies are called scabicides because they kill scabies mites; some also kill eggs. Scabicides to treat human scabies are available only with a doctor’s prescription; no "over-the-counter" (non-prescription) products have been tested and approved for humans.

Always follow carefully the instructions provided by the doctor and pharmacist, as well as those contained in the box or printed on the label. When treating adults and older children, scabicide cream or lotion is applied to all areas of the body from the neck down to the feet and toes; when treating infants and young children, the cream or lotion also is applied to the head and neck. The medication should be left on the body for the recommended time before it is washed off. Clean clothes should be worn after treatment.

In addition to the infested person, treatment also is recommended for household members and sexual contacts, particularly those who have had prolonged skin-to-skin contact with the infested person. All persons should be treated at the same time in order to prevent reinfestation. Retreatment may be necessary if itching continues more than 2-4 weeks after treatment or if new burrows or rash continue to appear.

Never use a scabicide intended for veterinary or agricultural use to treat humans!

No-one is immune to scabies.  If you've had it before, you can get it again. 

Info from CDC and THT

Page last updated:  02/05/13