Scabies is a contagious infection caused by a small mite known as Sarcoptes scabiei. Once on the skin, the mite burrows beneath the skin layer to lay its eggs.
Scabies can be transmitted by close skin contact with an infected person. This can occur following sexual contact, holding hands or from sleeping in the same bed. Crusted scabies can also be passed on by touching infested towels, bed linen and clothes.
The main symptom is intense itching, which is often worse at night. Signs include a red rash and fine, wavy, scaly lines which are the tiny burrows dug by the mites. The most common sites for burrows are between the fingers, the wrists, elbows, armpits, breasts, genitals, lower buttocks and along the belt line.
Scabies is usually treated with a special medicated lotion applied to the whole body. It can be prevented by avoiding contact with an infected person.
