Topic: Scabies
Description
Scabies is a skin infestation with a mite called Sarcoptes scabiei. These mites burrow into the skin where they live and reproduce. Eggs laid in the burrows hatch, crawl out onto the skin and make new burrows.
Symptoms
The skin infestation commonly involves the genital areas, buttocks, lower abdomen, wrists, forearms and webs between the fingers. Burrows are often difficult to see, but can most often be seen on the webs between the fingers, around the waist (under the belt line), in the creases of the wrists and elbows, and on the palms and soles of children.
It takes between three and six weeks after the first infestation with scabies for symptoms to appear. Mite droppings in the skin cause an itchy reaction, which may be severe. The itch is often worse at night and after a hot shower or exercise. There may be raised red lumps. Scratching can remove the tops of these lumps causing open sores. These can become infected.
If a person has had scabies before, a new infestation will cause itch almost straight away. Heavy infestation can cause extensive crusted warty lesions of the skin called "Norwegian scabies". This can occur in people with a depressed immune system and in the elderly. It is highly infectious.
Transmission
Scabies is passed from person to person by close direct contact. It can be spread by sexual contact and by non-sexual contact in family groups and institutions. Scabies is less commonly passed on through clothes and bed clothes. Away from the human body mites die within 72 hours.
Treatment
Ask your doctor to recommend an appropriate treatment. The instructions need to be followed carefully to make sure it works without causing any harm. Other household members and sexual contacts should be treated at the same time.
Treatment usually requires application of a cream or lotion which is repeated after seven days. As mites can live for a day on clothing and bed linen, clothes and sheets should be washed on a hot cycle on the day of treatment. Mattresses and pillows should be put out in the sun for two or three hours. Blankets can be put in a sealed bag for three days, after which time any mites will have died. Insect spray can be used on soft furniture (eg lounge chairs) to kill mites.
It is common for the itch to persist for several weeks after treatment. Antihistamines can help to reduce the itch and prevent scratching. Creams (available from the pharmacy) can also help reduce the itch. Do not over-treat as the skin may become irritated.
Health Outcome
If not treated, scabies causes ongoing irritation. Sores may become infected. It also remains infectious to other people.
The mite does not transmit any other infectious disease.
Prevention
Use of condoms does not prevent scabies being passed from one person to another during sexual activity.
Any person with itchy lumps or sores in the genital area should not have sex or close contact with another person but should see their doctor for advice.
Help and Assistance
Other Resources
Queensland Health Sexual Health Website
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Last Updated: 12th October, 2009
Date Valid to: 30th June, 2010
