Scabies

Scabies is a communicable skin disease that manifests as intense itching (especially at night) and rashes - the distribution of which is shown below.

It is caused by a mite called Sarcoptes scabiei, which is a parasite that burrows into, resides and reproduces in human skin. Scabies usually spreads through direct skin contact with the infested people. Their clothing and bedding may also carry the mites/eggs and transmit the disease.

Treatment

• Apply topical medicated creams/lotions (5% permethrin or benzoyl benzoate) and take drugs (ivermectin) according to the doctor’s advice to kill the mites and control itching respectively. Itching may persist for about a month sometimes despite appropriate treatment.

• Family members and close friends of the infested persons should also seek medical advice and receive treatment if necessary.

Scabies mite

Additional Precautions

• Wash hands thoroughly before and after contact with the infested person.

• Wash the clothing, towels and bed linen of the infested persons separately. These items should be washed in hot water at 60°C or above, for not less than 10 minutes so as to kill the mites and its eggs.

• Place non-washable items in a plastic bag and seal up for at least 14 days before reuse.

• Clean shared-use equipment/ devices with detergent before using on other persons.

• Discard shared-use or suspected contaminated creams and lotions.

Prevention

•  Keep good personal hygiene, wash hands and body frequently.
• Regularly change into clean clothing, towels and bed linen.
• Avoid sharing clothing and personal items with others.
• Perform skin inspection for institutionalised residents regularly for early identification of infestation.