STD awareness: Scabies

SCABIES, an infestation of the skin by the human itch mite sarcoptes scabiei, is often transferred by skin-to-skin contact and can occur anywhere on the body.

When transmitted through sexual contact, it is important to note that condoms do not prevent infection.

Obstetrician/gynaecologist Dr Daryl Daley explained that scabies causes intense itching and a pimply rash, which will worsen at night.

Dr Daley said the itching and rash most often show up on the penis, buttocks, wrist, nipples, waist, shoulder blades, armpits, elbows and between the fingers, but it is not limited to these areas.

“Sometimes scabies might also result in tiny burrows in the skin caused by the female mites tunnelling beneath the skin. A magnifying glass will reveal short, wavy lines of red skin, which are the burrows made by the mites. It is important to know that even when symptoms are not present, scabies can still spread,” he said.

Of note, Dr Daley said because scabies is easily passed from one person to another, any sexual partners and close personal or household contacts should be examined, and clothing treated by machine washing and drying on hot cycle, or dry cleaning.

He added that staying away from body contact for at least 72 hours will also ensure that the mites can’t be transmitted.

With regards to treatment, Dr Daley said prescription creams called scabicides can be used to treat scabies.

“These creams kill the mites and some also kill the eggs. The cream will be applied to the skin from the neck down to the toes and washed off after eight to 14 hours.”

He said because scabies can also be spread through sexual contact with someone who has it, it is important to abstain from sexual activity or be monogamous with one long-term partner who does not have scabies.

—Kimberley Hibbert