Scabies Information

Scabies is a fairly common disease of the skin caused by a very small insect-like mite. Scabies mites burrow into the skin and make burrows or pimple-like rashes.

Call your physician or local public health office for more information about scabies.



Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs):



Who gets scabies?

Scabies can affect anyone without regard to age, sex, race, or cleanliness. Cases or outbreaks are often seen in nursing homes, institutions, and childcare centers.



How is scabies spread?

Scabies mites are spread by direct skin-to-skin contact. Contact with underclothes or bedding can spread scabies if recently touched by infested people. Scabies can also be passed during sex.



What are the symptoms of scabies?

The usual symptom of scabies is intense itching; it is often worse at night. The areas most affected by scabies are the skin between the fingers, around the wrists, elbows, armpits, waist, thighs, genitals, nipples, breasts, and lower buttocks.



How soon do symptoms appear?

Symptoms will appear from 2-6 weeks after contact with mites in people who have not been exposed to scabies before. People who have had a previous bout with scabies mites may show symptoms within 1-4 days after new contact.



When is a person able to spread scabies?

A person is able to spread scabies until mites and eggs are killed by treatment.



What is the treatment for scabies?

A physician can prescribe lotions for the treatment of scabies. The lotions are applied to the whole body except the head and neck. Sometimes itching may continue but should not be seen as treatment failure or re-infestation. If symptoms continue, lotion should be used again 7-10 days later. The lotion should be left on for eight hours and followed by a bath and change of clothes.



What can be done to prevent the spread of scabies?

Avoid touching persons with scabies or their belongings, especially clothing and bedding. Knowing how the mites live, proper treatment, and the need for early diagnosis and treatment of infested persons and contacts is very important.