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Scabies contents
Essential facts
More details
Diagnosis and
management
 Pamphlet
(pdf format)
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Scabies
Essential facts
Scabies is an infestation
of the skin by a small mite which is transmitted
by close physical contact. The mite makes a
shallow burrow into the skin and lays eggs in
this burrow. Two to four weeks after infection,
red itching bumps or blisters occur. These bumps
are an allergic reaction to the insects.
New insects hatch from the
eggs and can be spread to other areas of the skin
by scratching. Scabies most often involves the
genitalia, waist-line, hands and wrists. Scabies
almost never involves the face or back.
Transmission
The disease is transmitted
mainly by close body contact (including sexual
activity).
Treatment of Scabies
- Bathe and towel dry
thoroughly, soon but not immediately
before treatment.
- Permethrin cream
("Lyclear") should be applied
to clean but cool and dry skin.
- Apply a thin layer of
the cream to your whole body surface from
the neck down. Do not put it on the face.
Leave the cream on for 24 hours then wash
thoroughly.
- Ideally someone else
should apply the cream so that the whole
body surface is covered.
- Remember to treat the
palms of the hands, soles of feet and in
between the fingers and toes. Reapply the
cream if the hands are washed within 8
hours of application.
- Wash all clothing,
bedding and towels used in the past two
days. Dry cleaning can also be used.
- One repeat application
of cream can be made in 5 to 7 days. The
itch may persist for a week of more after
treatment.
- Sexual partners and
all members of the household also require
treatment.
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