12/22/2024

Scabies (The Itch)

Scabies, also called “the itch,” is a skin condition caused by tiny mites. It leads to intense itching and a pimple-like rash that can appear on different parts of the body.

How Does Scabies Spread?

Scabies is contagious and spreads easily in places where people are in close contact, like schools or daycare centers. It can also be spread by sharing clothes, towels, or a bed. However, a simple handshake or hug usually won’t spread scabies.

What Are the Signs of Scabies?

Symptoms usually show up two to six weeks after coming into contact with someone who has scabies. If you’ve had scabies before, you might notice symptoms just one to four days after contact. The main signs are severe itching, especially at night, and a rash that looks like pimples. You may also see tiny, greyish-white lines on the skin, often between the fingers, on the wrists, elbows, armpits, waist, belt line, buttocks, or around the genitals.

For infants and young children, scabies might show up on the head, face, neck, palms, and soles of the feet.

How to Prevent Scabies?

  • Avoid direct skin-to-skin contact with someone who has scabies.
  • Don’t share clothing, towels, or a bed with someone who has scabies.

How Do I Know for Sure It’s Scabies?

To be sure if you or your child has scabies, see your health-care provider. Many other skin conditions can cause itching and rashes.

Treatment for Scabies

Treatment usually involves using a special cream or lotion. Be sure to follow the instructions that come with the product. Everyone who has had close contact with the affected person should also be treated. There are other medications available to help relieve itching. Talk to your health-care provider or pharmacist for more details.

Treatment when pregnant or nursing: If you’re pregnant or nursing, talk to your health-care provider before using scabies treatment products. They can recommend options that are safe for both you and your baby.

Itching After Treatment

It’s common for itching to continue for a few weeks after treatment, even though the mites are gone. This happens because the skin takes time to heal. If the itching is unbearable, talk to your healthcare provider—they can recommend treatments to help.

Scabies can spread quickly in households, so it’s important to treat everyone in close contact with the infected person, even if they don’t show symptoms.

What to Do Around the House

Here’s how to clean up around your home:

  • Scabies mites don’t survive for more than two to three days off human skin.
  • Wash bedding, clothes, and towels in hot water and dry them on a hot cycle.
  • If you can’t wash something, seal it in a bag for a week.
  • Vacuum any items you can’t wash or bag.

Taking these steps can help stop scabies from spreading and help you and your family feel better sooner.

Services related to this information:

http://hi.easternhealth.ca/healthy-living/sexual-health/stis/scabies-the-itch/
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Last updated: 2024-12-19