Scabies is an infestation of the skin by the human itch mite (Sarcoptes scabiei var. hominis). The microscopic scabies mite burrows into the upper layer of the skin where it lives and lays its eggs. The most common symptoms of scabies are intense itching and a pimple-like skin rash. The scabies mite usually is spread by direct, prolonged, skin-to-skin contact with a person who has scabies (CDC, 2023).
What to do if I or anyone in my household has scabies?
- Wash your clothes and bed linen at 50 degrees or higher
- If clothes cannot be washed then place in a sealed bag for 3 days until the mites die
- Do NOT have close physical contact until the treatment is complete
- Do NOT share any clothes, bed linen or towels with anyone
You or your child can go back to work or school 24 hours after commencing the first treatment.
It is important to keep re-applying the treatment to your hands after every time that you wash them and remember to apply the treatment to your skin once it has been dried and has cooled down from your bath or shower. The skin treatment will not work if your skin is hot.
To find out more about scabies, please click the link below for our information leaflet.
