Scabies

(from the Canadian Institute of Public Health Inspectors)

What is Scabies?

Scabies is a skin infection caused by a very small insect-like parasite called a mite.

How is Scabies Spread?

The scabies mite is spread by direct skin to skin contact. The mite can be transferred form clothing or bedding that was used immediately beforehand by the infected person. Some people are embarrassed to discover they have scabies, even though it can be caught by anyone and does not indicate poor personal hygiene.

Symptoms and Treatment

The female scabies mite lays her eggs just under the surface of the skin. These eggs hatch in three to four days then move to the surface of the skin where they mature. They mate and repeat the life cycle, gradually spreading the infestation. For four to six weeks after infection there may be no symptoms, then the person will typically begin to feel an intense itchiness, which is often worse at night. A read rash will accompany the itchiness. The most common rash sites are the webs of the fingers, wrists, elbows, breasts, genitals, abdomen, back and buttocks. Scabies are rarely found above the neck, except in infants. Secondary infections can occur from scratching the affected areas.

It is best to see your doctor for advice on treatment for scabies. There are a number of lotions or creams that can be obtained from pharmacies and it is important to read the label and follow directions carefully. It is important to apply the scabicide to all areas (except face and scalp). All undergarments, clothing and bedding used by the affected person 48 hours before treatment should be laundered on the hot cycle of the washer and dryer. Any clothing that cannot be laundered should be stored for at least 4 days before re-using. It is not necessary to disinfect items such as mattresses and furniture. After treatment, itching may persist for 1-2 weeks, but is not a sign of treatment failure or reinfestation.

Prevention

If one person in a family has scabies, there is a good chance that others will have it also and should therefore be treated as recommended by their doctor. If the infected person attends day care or lives in a nursing home, there may be treatment necessary for close contacts to prevent an outbreak. An infected person should refrain from close contact with others until 24 hours after treatment has started.

For more information, contact your public health department.