What is scabies?
Scabies is a condition where tiny mites burrow under the skin, leading to an itchy rash. It affects people of all ages and skin types. Transmission occurs through direct contact with the skin of an infected person.
While it was previously not widespread, scabies has gradually become more common again in recent years.
What are the symptoms of scabies?
The symptoms of scabies include intense itching that often becomes more severe at night.
Typically, the mites inhabit areas such as between the fingers and toes, wrists, ankles, the groin area, and under the breasts. They create noticeable silvery lines on the skin as they lay eggs, which hatch over a few weeks. An allergic reaction to the mites may cause a widespread rash that appears redder or darker than the unaffected skin. It’s less commonly found on the face and scalp.
Scabies can also cause hard bumps and nodules on the skin, particularly around the groin, armpits, and on the genitals, which may remain even after the mites have been eradicated.
In a rarer form, known as crusted scabies, the condition leads to thick crusts over various parts of the body, with the itching being less intense than in typical cases.
What causes scabies?
Scabies is caused by the ‘Sarcoptes scabiei var. hominis’ mite, which is spread through physical contact with an infected person or indirectly through shared belongings like clothes and towels. This means that outbreaks within a household are common.
Anyone can catch scabies, but weakened immunity, certain neurological conditions, and the use of strong steroids creams/ointments may all make someone more likely to catch it or have a severe case.
How is scabies treated?
Initially, your GP can diagnose the condition and a topical insecticide cream such as Permethrin 5% may be prescribed. For many patients this is all the treatment they will need.
If this is unsuccessful, you may be referred to NHS Dermatology specialists such as our local Leeds Community Dermatology service or you can opt to see a Dermatologist privately.
At our clinic, our Dermatologists will assess your skin and diagnose your condition. If appropriate, the Dermatology team can write a private prescription for an anti-parasitic drug called Ivermectin. A course of Ivermectin medication can be expensive, your pharmacist may be able to advise you of costs, and it may not work in all cases. It’s usually prescribed only if other treatment strategies have been unsuccessful.
While Ivermectin is available via an NHS prescription, it is unlicensed for the treatment of scabies. Some GPs will understandably prefer that a patient sees a Dermatology specialist to determine whether it’s suitable, and to discuss the pros and cons of taking it in more detail.
