Scabies is an itchy rash caused by mites. It’s spread through close skin contact, and anyone can get it. It should be treated quickly to stop it spreading.
The symptoms of scabies are:
- intense itching, especially at night
- a raised rash or spots
The spots may look red. They are more difficult to see on brown or black skin, but you should be able to feel them.
Many other things can cause itchy skin and rashes in babies and children.
Scabies is not usually a serious condition, but it does need to be treated.
A pharmacist will recommend a cream or lotion that you apply over your whole body. It's important to read the instructions carefully.
Let the pharmacist know if you're breastfeeding or pregnant.
You'll need to repeat the treatment 1 week later.
Scabies is very infectious, but it can take up to 8 weeks for the rash to appear.
Everyone in your home needs to be treated at the same time, even if they do not have symptoms. But do not use pharmacy treatments on children under 2 years old, they will need to see a GP.
Anyone you’ve had sexual contact with in the past 8 weeks should also be treated.
If you or someone in your family has scabies there are things you can do to reduce the risk of it spreading.
See a GP if:
- your child is under 2 years old and has symptoms of scabies or someone else in your household has scabies
- you have scabies and think your skin may be infected or you have another skin condition, such as eczema
- you have a crusted, flaky rash on your elbows, knees, hands or feet
- you’ve used pharmacy treatment for scabies and your skin is still itching 2 to 4 weeks after treatment has finished
Scabies spreads through close skin contact, including sexual contact. You cannot get scabies from pets.
People who live or work closely together in nurseries, university halls of residence or nursing homes are more at risk.
Scratching the rash can cause skin infections like impetigo.