Scabies

Scabies is an infestation with the mite Sarcoptes Scabiei. It may be possible to see tiny tracks leading away from the intensely itchy spot. These are burrows. Sometimes a solitary tiny blister is seen at the end of a track.

Scabies often starts on the hands, and spread up the arms. It is caught by direct contact with an infected person, and can spread to cover the whole body. It almost never affects the face. The rash is made up of red sores, which are flat rather than raised like a boil, and very itchy.

What to do

• In adults, scabies can be easily treated with malathion or other insecticide lotion. The spots should stop spreading, but the intense itch can continue for up to ten days
• In children, the itch is best treated with calamine lotion and hydrocortisone cream. All these treatments can be bought over the counter
• Occasionally scabies becomes infected and needs antibiotics. In this case there may be a sore redness spreading out from the spots, and the spots may be weeping. Consult your doctor if this occurs