Scabies is a skin irritation caused by a parasitic mite that burrows under the skin and lays eggs.
The mites then move to warm areas in the folds of the skin, such as:
wrists
elbows
buttocks
knees
shoulder blades
waist
breast
penis
between fingers
under the finger nails
How do I get scabies?
Scabies is spread by direct, skin-to-skin contact with an infected person.
It can also be spread by having sex, sharing towels, clothing, or bedding with an infected person.
The mites can live off the body for three days.
How do I know if I have scabies?
You will see small red bumps or tiny red lines in the creased areas of the skin 3-6 weeks after becoming infected. If you have had scabies before, symptoms may appear 1-3 days after becoming infected.
You may be very itchy, with the itching usually worse at night.
Scratching can cause skin infections that look scaly or crusty.
How can I be tested for scabies?
Go to your doctor or STD clinic to have the rash looked at.
A small scraping of skin may be done to look for a mite under a microscope.
How is scabies treated?
Scabies is treated by spreading a medicated lotion all over your body.
The lotion can be bought at most drugstores, without a prescription.
Pregnant women and young children should not use these creams unless told to by a healthcare professional.
Often, one treatment kills all the mites if you follow the package instructions.
Itching can normally last for 1-2 weeks after treatment.
Ask everyone in close contact with you to use the cream or lotion.
Clothing, bedding, and towels should be washed in hot, soapy water and dried on the hot cycle in the dryer at the same time, or on the same day as the treatment. Do not put on the same clothes that you were wearing before the treatment until they have been washed.
Items that cannot be washed should be dry-cleaned or sealed in a plastic bag for 3-7 days.
How can I prevent the spread of scabies?
Avoid sexual contact with an infected person.
Stay home until 24 hours after treatment.
Ask everyone who has been in close contact with you in the last month to be treated.
Do not have skin-to-skin contact until you have been treated according to the lotion package insert.
If you are being treated, do not have sex until the medication is finished and the symptoms are gone.
Abstinence (not having sex) may be your best choice.
Practice safer sex. Always use condoms during vaginal, anal, and oral sex.
Use a dental dam during oral sex on women.
Do not share sex toys.
Limit the number of sexual partners you have.
Ask your partner about his or her sexual history.
Get tested for STIs (sexually transmitted infections) before having any sexual activity with a new partner.
If you think you have been infected with an STI, see a healthcare provider.
Tell your partner if you have an infection.
Get education, guidance and support.
Sexual Decision Making
You have the right to chose whether or not to have intercourse.
If you choose to have sex, be sure to protect yourself against pregnancy and STIs.
Talk to your partner about these choices before you have sex!
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Reviewed by Alberta clinical experts. Brought to you by HealthLink Alberta. Copyright
This material is designed for information purposes only. It should not be used in place of medical advice, instruction and/or treatment. If you have specific questions, please consult your doctor or appropriate health care professional.
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