What is Scabies?

Scabies is caused by tiny insects called mites. The mites "burrow" into the skin and cause a very itchy rash.

How is it spread?

Scabies can spread from person to person by close personal contact or by close contact with clothing or using other personal items of an infected person.

What are the signs and symptoms of scabies?

It may take 2-6 weeks after being exposed to scabies before symptoms appear. The first sign of scabies is constant itching and a rash. The rash looks like curvy white threads, tiny red bumps or scratches, and it can appear anywhere on the body. The itching usually becomes more intense at night. It is common for scratching to cause bleeding.

How do you treat scabies?

Contact your family doctor if you think that you or your child has scabies. Children with scabies should not return to school or childcare settings until proper treatment has been given.

Scabies can be treated with an over-the-counter medication, usually in the form of a lotion or cream. Ask the pharmacist to help find the right one for you. Be careful to read the instructions on the package. Use as directed.

Before applying the lotion, shower or bathe and then put on clean clothing.

The mites that cause scabies can live on clothing, or other objects, and the skin for up to 4 days. To be certain that no mites are remaining, wash and dry all clothing, towels, face cloths and bedclothes including sleeping bags and pillows that may have been infected. Wash and dry everything at the hottest temperature setting.

The itchiness may still continue for a couple of weeks after the first treatment. This means that the affected person may still be reacting to the mites, not that the treatment has failed. A soothing lotion such as calamine will help. If the itching continues for longer than 10-14 days, the infection has not been cleared and may require a second treatment. Contact your family doctor or community health nurse for advice.

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Updated: 2003-08-28