Scabies
Scabies is caused by tiny parasitic mites that can be passed from one person to another by close body contact or sexual contact.
What is it?
What is it?
Scabies are tiny parasitic mites that are smaller than a pinhead. They burrow into the skin and lay eggs.
Scabies mites can be found on any skin apart from the face. If they have been passed through sexual contact you are likely to have them in the genital area or buttocks. They are spread through scratching so hands and other body sites are commonly affected.
How do I get it?
How do I get it?
You can get scabies through close body contact or sexual contact with someone who is infected with the mites.
The mites can live up to 72 hours off the body, so scabies can be spread by sharing bedding, towels and clothing.
Once the scabies mite has passed to you, it can take up to 6 weeks for the symptoms to appear.
What symptoms could I have?
What symptoms could I have?
Symptoms that you should look out for include:
- Tiny spots or an itchy red rash. The diagnosis can sometimes be difficult because the rash can look like other itchy skin conditions, such as eczema.
- Intense itching in the affected areas. This might only be noticed at night or it might become worse after a hot bath or shower or in bed at night.
- Raw, broken skin or inflammation in the affected areas. This is usually caused by scratching.
The signs and symptoms of scabies can take up to 6 weeks to appear after coming into contact with an infected person.
How do I test for it?
How do I test for it?
How do I treat it?
How do I treat it?
Treating scabies is usually simple and involves using a cream. This can be purchased over the counter from a pharmacy or may be prescribed from a clinic. Follow the instructions carefully and repeat the cream treatment at 7 days.
It is important to wash your towels and bedding in a washing machine on a very hot cycle (50oC or higher). This will kill the lice, preventing re-infection. Anything which cannot be washed should be sealed in a plastic bag or not used for 72hours.
After scabies treatment, the itching might continue for a few weeks. Antihistamine tablets from a pharmacy, or anti-irritant lotions such as calamine can help to ease the itching.
Will this affect people I have sex with?
Will this affect people I have sex with?
Scabies is passed through close body contact, so you should avoid having sex if you think you have scabies. If you are getting treatment for scabies, make sure anyone you have sex with and close contacts in your household are treated at the same time. This should be done even if they don’t have any signs or symptoms because they could be in the 6 week period between infection and when symptoms start to appear.
Related STI pages
Find out information about other STI's below
Find out information about other STI's below
Contact Us
Contact Us
If you need further information about opening times and how to contact us please visit the contact us page.