Sexual Health Infections

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Scabies

What is Scabies and how it's passed on? Find out about signs and symptoms of scabies, testing and treatment and what happens if scabies isn't treated? How to avoid STIs.

The skin infection scabies isn't necessarily passed on through intercourse, but as it involves close physical contact, it's a possible method of transmission. Find out the symptoms of Scabies and how to get treatment.

What is it and how is it passed on?
Scabies is a common skin infection caused by a tiny mite invisible to the naked eye. The female mite burrows under the skin to lay her eggs. These become adult mites in about ten days.

The scabies mites are easily passed on through close physical contact with an infected person. The mites can live for 72 hours away from the body so it's possible for scabies to be spread through clothing, bedding and towels.

You can't catch scabies through sharing cups, plates or cutlery, or from toilet seats or swimming pools.

Signs and symptoms of scabies
Scabies can occur anywhere on the body, but sometimes the signs are hard to see. Symptoms can appear weeks after first contact and include itching (especially at night), a rash and tiny spots.

The mites concentrate in the body's skin creases and are commonly found:

• on the hands, especially between and along the side of the fingers
• under the arms
• on the wrists and elbows
• on the genitals
• underneath the buttocks

Testing and treatment
Tests for scabies are simple and involve:

• a physical examination by a doctor or nurse
• taking a skin flake from one of the spots and examining it under a microscope
• taking a full medical history

Treatment for scabies is simple and involves applying a special cream or lotion all over the body.

The itching or rash may continue after treatment and take a few weeks to clear up, although a calming skin lotion may help with this.

To avoid re-infection, close contacts, family members and sexual partners should be treated too. Close personal contact should be avoided until treatment is completed and the infection has cleared up.

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What happens if scabies isn't treated?
Scabies doesn't cause any long-term health problems.

How to avoid STIs

1. Before you have sex, talk to your partner about how to protect yourselves.
2. A male or female condom can provide protection from most STIs if used correctly every time you have sex.
3. Become familiar with how to use condoms and have a supply ready.
4. Seek advice straight away if you think you've been at risk.

Last updated: 10/05

Related Information:

• Sexually Transmitted Infections Index
• Emergency Contraception
• Why Practice Safer Sex?

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