At times there are topics we would rather not talk about and perhaps scabies is one of them. However, if someone catches scabies they are not necessarily dirty, as some people may think. It is because scabies easily spreads from person to person.

Scabies tends to spread when people live in crowded homes, for example flatting with a large group of people, or living with big extended families. You can catch scabies if you come in close contact with someone who has the infection. Sharing clothes or bed linen can also pass on scabies.

Schools are another common place where scabies can spread easily, not because children have poor hygiene, but because children tend to gather closely together to play.

The scabies infection is caused by a tiny mite that burrows into the skin. The main symptom of scabies is very intense itching. Sometimes people, especially young children, scratch so much that they break their skin and an infection develops. The itching tends to be worse when the body becomes hot, for example after a hot bath or shower, or in bed at night.

Scabies can be treated with medicines from the pharmacy which kill the mite and relieve the itching. There are two important things to remember when treating scabies.

Firstly the whole body must be treated. Self Care pharmacists say that there is a tendency for people to treat only the areas where they feel itchy or where they see red patches. However, doing this will not get rid of the infection, as the scabies may also be present elsewhere on the skin that is not yet itchy. If the whole body is not treated, the scabies mite can continue to burrow and cause itching and infection.

Secondly, everyone must be treated - scabies concerns the whole household, that is all the family and all flatmates. Self Care pharmacists say it is important to treat everyone whether they show signs of infection or not. This is because people who have been in close contact with someone who has scabies, may not show any signs of scabies, but could have caught the infection. By not treating everyone in the house, it makes it easy for the infection to keep on spreading.

Usually only one treatment with the medicine is needed but sometimes it may be necessary to repeat the treatment after seven days. Your Self Care pharmacist can talk to you about this. They can explain how to correctly use the scabies medicine as this is also important.

"People should also wash all personal clothing, bedsheets and towels to help prevent the spread of scabies," advise Self Care pharmacists.

If you want more information, pop in to your local Self Care pharmacy today and ask for your free copy of the fact card on Scabies.

For further information please contact: Your Local Self Care Pharmacist