What are scabies?

Scabies is an itchy rash caused by mites. It’s spread through close skin contact, and anyone can get it. It should be treated quickly to stop it spreading.

What are the symptoms of scabies?

• intense itching, especially at night
• a raised rash or spots

The spots may look red. They are more difficult to see on brown or black skin, but you should be able to feel them.

The scabies rash usually spreads across the whole body, apart from the head and neck. It often affects the skin between the fingers, around the wrists, under the arms, and around the waist, groin, and bottom.

However, older people and young children may develop a rash on their head, neck, palms, and soles of their feet.

People with a weakened immune system can sometimes get a rare and very contagious type of scabies, called crusted scabies. The main symptom is a crusted, flaky rash that often affects the elbows, knees, hands, and feet.

Should you go to a doctor if you have scabies?

Scabies is not usually a serious condition, but it does need to be treated.

A pharmacist will recommend a cream or lotion that you apply over your whole body. It’s important to read the instructions carefully.

Let the pharmacist know if you’re breastfeeding or pregnant.

You’ll need to repeat the treatment 1 week later.

Scabies is very infectious, but it can take up to 8 weeks for the rash to appear.

Everyone in your home needs to be treated at the same time, even if they do not have symptoms. But do not use pharmacy treatments on children under 2 years old, they will need to see a GP.

Anyone you’ve had sexual contact with in the past 8 weeks should also be treated.

How do you treat scabies?

If you or someone in your family has scabies there are things you can do to reduce the risk of it spreading.

Do

• Wash all bedding and clothing in the house at 60C or higher, and if possible in a hot dryer, on the first day of treatment
• Put clothing that cannot be washed in a sealed bag for 3 days until the mites die

Don’t

• Do not have sex or close physical contact until you have completed the full course of treatment
• Do not share bedding, clothing or towels with someone with scabies

How long does it take to get rid of scabies?

You or your child can go back to work or school 24 hours after the first treatment.

Although the treatment kills the scabies mites quickly, the itching can carry on for a few weeks.

Why should I go and see a doctor about scabies?

• If your child is under 2 years old and has symptoms of scabies or someone else in your household has scabies
• If you have scabies and think your skin may be infected or you have another skin condition, such as eczema
• If you have a crusted, flaky rash on your elbows, knees, hands or feet
• If you’ve used pharmacy treatment for scabies and your skin is still itching 2 to 4 weeks after treatment has finished

Scabies can spread easily

Scabies spreads through close skin contact, including sexual contact. You cannot get scabies from pets.

People who live or work closely together in nurseries, university halls of residence or nursing homes are more at risk.

Scabies and hygiene

Anyone can get scabies. It has nothing to do with poor hygiene.

Complications of scabies

Scratching the rash can cause skin infections like impetigo.

Scabies can make conditions like eczema or psoriasis worse.

(Source: NHS England)