Scabies

These mites feed on blood, and they also use their mouths and front legs to burrow into the outer layer of skin (epidermis), where they lay their eggs. After 3-4 days, the larvae hatch and move to the surface of the skin, where they mature into adults. If untreated, this process can repeat for weeks and even months.

While scabies is a highly contagious condition that can easily be passed from one person to another through skin-to-skin contact, it is not a sexually transmitted infection (STI), but it is sometimes erroneously conflated with one, which can be upsetting or embarrassing for patients.

Mites can be transmitted from one person to another through infested clothing or bedding, and contrary to what some may think, scabies is not related to overall hygiene.

People who live or work in nurseries, university halls of residence, care homes or nursing homes are more at risk of developing scabies, because of their close proximity to others. Others who travel to densely populated countries, or who share dormitories (like hostels) may also be at increased risk of contracting scabies. Most UK outbreaks of scabies occur during the winter months, since people tend to spend more time indoors and closer to each other.

While the condition is unpleasant and easily communicable, it may be reassuring to note that it can usually be treated with over-the-counter products available from the chemist. As a result of treatment being so easily accessed, it is hard to reliably estimate the number of people with scabies in the UK, since not all patients need to visit their GP to treat the distinctive and recognisable condition.

Because scabies is so contagious, and since there is an incubation period that can last up to 8 weeks, it is usually recommended that anyone in contact with a person who has the condition also undergo treatment themselves, in order to reduce the risk of developing it or passing it on.

While a rash can appear anywhere on the body, it often starts between the fingers, creeping up between the knuckles in a cluster that appears patchy.

A scabies rash will spread across the whole body, apart from the head, turning into tiny red spots. In older people, young children, or people with a weakened immune system, scabies may also present as a rash on the head and neck.

Scabies mites are drawn to warm places, such as skin folds, and often infest areas between the fingers, under the fingernails, or around the creases of the buttocks or breasts. Scabies may also proliferate under watch straps, bracelets or rings. One of the main symptoms is intense itching, especially at night.

While scabies is extremely contagious, the symptoms can take up to 8 weeks after the initial infection to appear, which is known as an incubation period. Because of the lengthy incubation period, and the risk of re-transmitting the condition to those who have already been treated, it is recommended that all people who have contact with an individual with a confirmed case of scabies undergo treatment simultaneously – including everyone in their respective households.

In order to eliminate scabies, it is essential to undergo treatment. You can obtain it either by seeing your GP, or by asking the chemist for over-the-counter lotions.

24 hours after the first treatment, it is safe to return to work, and for children to attend school, although depending on the facility, there may be time restrictions issued to ensure everyone has begun scabies treatment.

While over-the-counter treatments will kill the mites quickly, itchiness may not subside for several weeks. Closely monitor the affected areas to ensure no spots have been missed, and try not to scratch lest it cause the skin to become infected.