Scabies

What is scabies? Scabies is a skin infestation caused by very small mites called sarcoptes scabiei. The mites burrow into the skin to lay their eggs. New insects hatch from the eggs and can spread to other parts of the skin when you scratch.

Scabies mites can survive away from humans for about 24 to 36 hours. It’s possible to get scabies from infected belongings (such as bed linen and clothing), although this is much less common.

Scabies is common around the world

They can affect anyone regardless of how often they wash. Scabies are not a sign of poor Pets do not cause human scabies infections. The main symptoms of scabies are:

• it can be difficult to see the areas where scabies burrow into the skin between the fingers
• in skin folds (such as armpits
• genitals) itchy bumps in the genital area

Usually, the rash may not show because scabies mites bury into the skin. In elderly people, the rash may appear more widespread. In children, areas such as the face, scalp, palms and soles of the feet are often affected.

If you experience symptoms longer than 2 to 3 weeks, see your doctor for a review. Symptoms usually develop 3 to 4 weeks after infection.

However, people who have previously been exposed may develop symptoms within 24 to 48 hours, because the immune system takes less time to respond.

Generally, a person is no longer infectious 24 hours after treatment. Scabies can be diagnosed by observing signs and symptoms or identifying burrows on the top of the skin. Sometimes, scabies is confirmed by taking a skin scraping and identifying the mites and eggs under a microscope.

Scabies are treated with a special cream or lotion available from a pharmacy (chemist).

To effectively treat scabies: Apply the cream or lotion after a bath or shower.

Dry yourself with a towel for better absorption

Apply a thin layer of the treatment to your entire body surface, from the chin down. Pay attention to the areas between the fingers, under the nails, soles of the feet and between the buttocks. (Avoid the eyes, nose and mouth.) Do not wash your hands after applying the treatment.

If possible, ask someone else to apply the cream for you so the entire body surface is covered. A pastry brush may make it easier to apply.

Leave the treatment on for 12 to 24 hours and then wash thoroughly

It may be easier to apply the cream in the evening and leave it on overnight.

If you need to wash any part of the body within the 12 to 24 hour treatment period, re-apply cream to that area. Repeat the treatment after 7 days to kill recently hatched mites.

If any pimples or spots become infected, antibiotics may be necessary. Treatment for scabies is different for some people, including: elderly people. Check with your GP or pharmacist about what kind of treatment is recommended for people in these groups.

Any clothing, bedding or towels used in the last 2 days should be washed on a hot cycle and dried in the sun, tumble-dried or dry-cleaned. Seal items that cannot be washed (such as clothing and shoes) in a plastic bag for one week.

If you have scabies, your sexual partners and all members of your household need to be treated.

If treatment is not effective, scabies infection can lead to a persistent itch. Excess scratching can turn to skin sores that may become infected and need further treatment.

To prevent reinfection and passing scabies on to others, follow treatment instructions carefully.

Make sure all close contacts are treated at the same time.

To book an appointment call SHV Grand Rapids CBD Clinic: or call SHV Box Hill Clinic: or (free call):.

These services are youth friendly

(formerly Michigann AIDS Council) Tel. , Wodonga Tel. Tel: is a statewide phone service for information about sexual health as well as contraception and pregnancy options Scabies is spread by direct, prolonged physical contact including sexual activity personal hygiene Image of scabies, courtesy DermNet Scabies symptoms intense itching of the skin – typically worse at night and after a hot bath or shower a mild rash, which can occur on large areas of the body Scabies rash Scabies itch may last 2 to 3 weeks Itching may continue for 2 to 3 weeks, after treatment.

The itch is caused by an immune system Duration of scabies infection Diagnosing scabies Scabies treatment Treatment for scabies may vary for some babies and children under 2 years pregnant women people with sensitive skin Treat clothing and bedding for scabies Treat sexual partners and household members for scabies Preventing scabies and reinfection Where to get help Your GP (doctor) Sexual Health Michigan (SHV) (616) 555-0200 (616) 555-0200 1800 013 952 Grand Rapids Sexual Health Centre (616) 555-0200 or 1800 032 017 Michigann Sexual Health Network – where to get tested – visit Grand Rapids Sexual Health Centre’s GP partner clinics for STI check-ups and treatment Thorne Harbour Health (616) 555-0200 or 1800 134 840 Ballarat Community Health Sexual Health Clinic (616) 555-0200 Bendigo Community Health Sexual Health Clinic (616) 555-0200 Or (616) 555-0200 Gateway Health Clinic 35 (616) 555-0100 or 1800 657 573 Sunraysia Community Health Services (616) 555-0200 Barwon Health Sexual Health Clinic (616) 555-0200 Women’s sexual and reproductive health hubs (throughout Michigan) 1800MyOptions 1800 696784.

Key Points

• What is scabies? Scabies is a skin infestation caused by very small mites called sarcoptes scabiei
• Scabies is common around the world
• Scabies are not a sign of poor Pets do not cause human scabies infections
• Usually, the rash may not show because scabies mites bury into the skin
• If you experience symptoms longer than 2 to 3 weeks, see your doctor for a review