Scabies is a skin infection caused by a small parasite called a mite.

Scabies is spread by direct skin to-skin contact with an infected person. Scabies mites can live off the body for 24-36 hours.

It can be spread by sharing bedding, clothes or towels with an infected person.

How Do I KnowI Have Scabies?

You will see tiny grey or flesh-coloured “burrows” just under the skin surface. A red rash between the fingers, inside of the wrists, elbows, armpits, breasts, genitals (private parts), the abdomen (around the waist).

You will not have any symptoms for 2-6 weeks after infection. Then you will experience severe itching, especially at night or after bathing.

How Do I Get Rid of Scabies?

See your Public Health Nurse or Healthcare Provider for treatment.

• Apply Nix 5% cream (permethrin) to affected areas from the neck down according to package directions. Wash it off in 12 hours.
• Treat all household contacts & sexual partner(s) at the same time.
• Stay home from school or work until the day after treatment.
• Itching will last for up to 2 weeks.
  • Do not scratch as it may lead to other skin infections.
• Repeat the treatment in 7-10 days.
  • After treatment, you can no longer spread the infection.
• Treatment may temporarily worsen the itching, swelling, and redness of the skin.
  • You may be itchy for 1—2 weeks after treatment.
• Wash and dry contaminated clothing and bed linen in hot cycles.
• Place items that cannot be washed in a tied plastic bag for seven days or outside for 24 hours in freezing temperatures.
• Vacuum upholstered furniture.