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WHAT IS SCABIES?

 

Scabies is a highly contagious infection caused by microscopic mites that burrow into the skin, lay eggs and causes an itchy rash. The condition is not considered serious but can be very uncomfortable particularly at night when itchiness can be extreme. Excessive scratching can cause breaks in the skin and lead to a skin infection.

 

 

HOW DO I KNOW IF I HAVE SCABIES?

 

Signs and symptoms include:

• Itch

The itching appears a few days after infestation. It may occur within a few hours if the mite is caught a second time. The itch is characteristically more severe at night and affects the trunk and limbs. It does not usually affect the scalp.

• Burrows

Scabies burrows appear as tiny, grey, irregular tracks between the fingers and on the wrists. They may also be found in armpits, buttocks, on the penis, insteps, and backs of the heels.

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• Generalized rash

Scabies rash appears as tiny red, intensely itchy, bumps on the limbs and trunk. It can easily be confused with dermatitis or hives (and may be accompanied by these). The rash of scabies is due to an allergy to the mites and their products and may take several weeks to develop after the initial infestation.

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• Nodules

Itchy lumps or nodules in the armpits and groins or along the shaft of the penis are very suggestive of scabies. Nodules may persist for several weeks or longer after the successful eradication of living mites.

 

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HOW IS IT CAUGHT?

 

Scabies may be passed on:

• Having close bodily contact (skin-to-skin contact) with another person who is infected with scabies.

• Via bedding or furnishings, as the mite can survive for a few days away from the body (human host).

 

CAN SCABIES BE TREATED?

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Diagnosis and Treatment

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Diagnosis can be confirmed by microscopic examination of the contents of a burrow.

Treatment involves:

 

• Purchasing a treatment cream/ointment (scabicide) from your chemist, or on prescription from your doctor

• The treatment stays on the skin for 24 hours and will probably need to be repeated within a week

• Remember to reapply treatment cream every time you wash your hands during this 24 hour period

• Treat the entire body from feet to jaw, paying particular attention under nails and between toes and fingers

• Mites can live outside the skin for up to 6 days, so good hygiene and cleansing is important to prevent re-infection with the mite

• Secondary skin infections may need treatment with antibiotics

• If the itching does not go away, repeat the treatment – it may take up to a month to fully clear the scabies infection - though often one treatment will be effective

• If the treatment does not seem to be effective, then visit a doctor

Each treatment with scabicide should be followed the next morning by laundering or dry cleaning of sheets and pillow cases and any clothes worn against the skin over the last week. Clean carpet and furnishings with a vacuum cleaner.

 

WHAT ABOUT MY PARTNER?

 

Sexual partners need to be treated and people who share a house or flat with someone who is infected need to be treated, even if they are not feeling itchy.

 

HOW CAN I PROTECT MYSELF AND MY CLIENT FROM SCABIES?

 

Preventative measures are limited to stopping the spread of the infection or preventing re-infection. To avoid catching scabies again:

• Ensure the scabicide is applied to the whole body from the chin down

• Make sure all contacts are treated as well.

• Wash articles that may be infected, such as sheets, towels and clothing, in hot water.

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COMMONLY ASKED QUESTIONS

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Can I work with pubic lice or scabies?

 

Pubic Lice and Scabies are highly contagious through skin contact and can also be spread through the sharing of bed coverings, towels, and clothes. You should stop working immediately, seek treatment and only resume work once you are clear of the infection. Most sex workers have abandoned pubic hair and as such have reduced the risk of acquiring pubic lice.

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Do I need to tell my boss?

 

Your boss only needs to know that you are sick and need time off from work. If you need a doctor's note instruct the doctor to not include the diagnosis and to specify the number of days you need off from work
 

Do I have to stop working?

 

It is recommended that you stay home and not return to work until you are clear of the infectio

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Should I tell my clients?

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Your regular clients may be infected with pubic lice. It may be important to let them know as they could be re- infecting you.

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Should I tell other people I work with?

 

It may be important to let your fellow workmates know as you will have clients in common.

 

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MORE INFORMATION?

Contact NZPC, your local Sexual Health Clinic or Family Planning Association.