Scabies
Overview
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.
Symptoms
The symptoms of scabies are: intense itching, especially at nighta 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 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.
Causes
Tiny mites burrowing into skin. Spread by close body contact.
Treatment
If you or someone in your family has scabies there are things you can do to reduce the risk of it spreading. 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 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 at least 3 days until the mites die put clothing that cannot be washed in a sealed bag for at least 3 days until the mites die do not have sex or close physical contact until you have completed the full course of treatment 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 do not share bedding, clothing or towels with someone with scabies
Prevention
Treat all household members/partners.
When to see a doctor
See GP if: itching is severe/persistent.