What is scabies?
Scabies is an infestation by a mite, which burrows beneath the skin and lays eggs. The main symptom is intense itching, which is usually worse at night or when you're hot. The itching is caused by the body's allergic reaction to the eggs beneath the skin. You may also get a rash on the area of skin where the mites have burrowed. This rash may look like tiny red spots or insect bites. Scabies used to be rare but has recently become more common in the UK.
Scabies is usually transferred through skin-to-skin contact with other people. The more prolonged the contact, the more chance of them spreading, so sharing a bed or having sex with someone who has scabies increases the risk. The mites can also survive on sheets and clothing, so sharing bedding, clothes and towels can also spread them.
How do I know if I have scabies?
An itchy rash is often a tell-tale sign of scabies. Because scabies mites are microscopic, you won’t be able to see them with the naked eye, but you will notice the irritation or rash they typically cause.
The itching can be intense and often feels worse at night, when the mites tend to be more active. The rash itself may appear as tiny spots, bumps or blisters, and can develop anywhere on your body, including between your fingers and toes, in your elbow creases and around your groin.
It’s important to visit your doctor or a dermatologist if you are experiencing a rash or itchiness anywhere on your body, as this could be scabies or another skin condition that can cause a similar rash. They can give you an accurate diagnosis and ensure you get the right medication to treat and manage your condition effectively.
What causes scabies?
Scabies is a contagious condition caused by microscopic mites that live, feed, and reproduce under the top layer of skin. The itchy rash – a common sign of scabies –
is caused by irritation from the mites. Scabies is easily transmitted from person to person, primarily through skin-to-skin contact, and can be more common in winter months, when people are more likely to be socialising inside. Cases of scabies can be more prevalent where people are living in close contact with one another, such as in student halls or houses.
What can I do if I think I have scabies?
If you are concerned that you might have scabies, it’s best to see a doctor or dermatologist for scabies as soon as possible. Fortunately, scabies can be easily and effectively treated with prescription medication, either in the form of a topical cream, or oral medication.
Left untreated mites can live for up to two months, reproducing in that time and causing you unnecessary discomfort. There’s also a high chance you’ll pass the condition on to others.
Despite its negative connotations, it’s important to know that having scabies is nothing to be ashamed or embarrassed about, and it’s not a sign of poor hygiene. Anyone can get scabies, and visiting your doctor is the best thing you can do to get the appropriate advice and treatment you need.
Is a scabies rash always red?
The colour of the rash will vary depending on your skin tone, and can be brown, red, or black. If left untreated, the rash tends to spread across your body, which can be extremely uncomfortable. Any itchy rash is hard not to scratch, but constant scratching can cause your skin to form scabs, and these scabs can become infected. That’s why it’s really important to visit your doctor as soon as you experience a rash that is unusual for you.
How long does it take for scabies treatment to work?
Scabies is usually treated with a cream or lotion that's applied to the whole skin, left overnight and then washed off the next day. The treatment may need to be repeated a week later. Anyone who's been in contact with the person who has scabies should also be treated. You'll also need to wash all clothing and bedding.
