What is it?

Scabies is caused by a tiny mite called "Sarcoptes scabei". The mite is a very small insect - so small that we can only see it with a microscope. It lives only on human skin, and is passed from one person to another by close body contact. Some people develop an itchy skin rash with scabies, because they are allergic to the mite: Other people have no symptoms at all, but still need treatment. The scabies mite will live happily in clean skin - it is not an illness of "dirty" people.

What is the treatment?

The lotion or cream prescribed will kill the mite, and so cure the itchy rash. But you must use it in a certain way to be successful:

Day l: In the evening, apply the lotion or cream on to cool, dry skin over the whole of your body from the top of the neck down. Make sure to apply the lotion or cream between your fingers and toes, under your nails and between your buttocks. A child under the age of 2 years should also have the lotion applied to his face and scalp, but avoid the eyes. It sometimes stings for a few minutes. Let the lotion dry on your skin. The lotion will kill any mites in the bedding.

Day 2: The next evening, have a bath or shower to wash the lotion off. Anytime you wash your hands in the treatment period, apply a little lotion to them again.
It is not necessary to change your clothes, sheets and towels, and wash them, as the mite cannot live away from human skin.

Who should be treated?

All close contacts - the whole family, girlfriends and boyfriends - should be treated at the same time, whether they are itchy or not. This is because it is possible to be infected with the mite without any symptoms or rash. It is important that all their skin is treated from the neck down, including palms and soles.

I'm still itchy!

Sometimes the itch continues after treatment, but usually settles after a week or so. Try not to scratch! Use calamine lotion to help relieve the itching as often as you like.