Scabies is a skin condition caused by a tiny mite that gets under the skin and lays eggs.
It is:
very common - anyone can get it
passed by skin-to-skin or sexual contact with a person who has scabies
easily spread - so it should be treated quickly
not usually a serious condition
Check if you have scabies
The symptoms of scabies are:
intense itching, especially at night
a raised rash or spots
The rash or spots may look red. They are more difficult to see on brown or black skin, but you should be able to feel them.
The rash can appear anywhere, but it often starts between the fingers.
It can take up to 8 weeks after the mites get under your skin for the scabies rash to appear.
It usually spreads across the whole body, but not the head.
You may develop a rash on your head and neck if you:
are an older person
are a very young child
have a weakened immune system
Treatment for scabies
Your pharmacist can help with scabies.
They will recommend a cream or lotion that you apply over your whole body. You can buy this without a prescription. It's important you read the instructions carefully. You'll need to repeat the treatment 1 week later. Treatments include Lyclear Cream, Benzyl Benzoate and Derbac M.
Everyone in your household needs to be treated at the same time - even if they do not have symptoms.
If you have had sexual contact with anyone in the past 8 weeks, they should also be treated.
Help with itchiness
Calamine lotion may help to relieve itchy skin. It is available without a prescription.
Itchy skin
How long it takes to get rid of scabies
You or your child can go back to work or school 24 hours after the first treatment.
Although the treatment kills the mites quickly, the itching can carry on for a few weeks.
