Scabies
Scabies is a skin infection caused by mites (Sarcoptes scabiei) which burrow into the skin. Their faeces cause skin inflammation.
How are scabies transmitted?
Transmission requires close skin-to-skin contact lasting around ten to 15 minutes, as the mites are slow-moving.
More often, though, transmission occurs via clothing, towels or bed linen, as the mites can survive for a good two days.
How can I protect myself?
An infection is almost impossible to avoid as transmission takes place before the first symptoms appear.
Contact with infected persons should be avoided in particular.
What symptoms can appear?
The main symptom is an intense itch, which usually persists for a few days or several weeks after the infection. The areas typically affected are:
- between the fingers
- on the outside of the hands/feet
- on the wrists and elbows
- on the penis and scrotum
- in the armpits
How do they test for scabies?
Scabies is diagnosed through examination by a medical specialist (dermatologist),
How are scabies treated?
Scabies are treated with an ointment which is applied to the whole body. Partners or other household members can receive treatment at the same time.
To prevent reinfection, clothing and bed linen should be replaced daily and washed at least 60 °C for a few days.