Scabies outbreak explained: The symptoms and how to treat it

The highly contagious - and very unpleasant - scabies infection is spreading. Here’s everything you need to know about it and how to treat it.

Multiple outbreaks of scabies have caused chaos at four Australian hospitals, with fears cases of the contagious skin disease will increase.

Residents in NSW have been warned to be on the alert after the disease was detected at four hospitals in the Illawarra Shoalhaven area.

Where’s what you need to know about scabies and how to treat the disease.

WHAT IS SCABIES?

Scabies is caused by a tiny mite called Sarcoptes scabies that burrows under the skin and feeds on dissolved human skin tissues, leading to an itchy rash and threadlike tracks on the skin.

The common areas affected are the webbing between fingers, wrists, elbows, genitals and breasts.

People suffering from scabies may experience severe itching all over the body, which worsens at night and can cause sleep disturbance . .

HOW IS SCABIES TRANSMITTED?

The skin disease is extremely contagious and can spread very quickly. It is transmitted through prolonged skin-to-skin contact. It can also be spread through sharing a bed with someone who has scabies.

If you have scabies, your whole family may need to be treated.

New South Wales residents should be on alert for scabies as an outbreak is being dealt with by four hospitals in the Illawarra Shoalhaven area. Picture: Getty

HOW IS SCABIES DIAGNOSED?

Your doctor will examine your skin and ask you about your symptoms and whether anyone you live with has itchy skin.

During the examination, the doctor may put ink from a pen over a burrow entrance. If the ink moves along the burrow, this confirms that a person has scabies.

The doctor may also take a small scraping of skin to confirm the diagnosis.

HOW DO YOU TREAT SCABIES?

Scabies is easily treated with a medicine called permethrin cream that you can buy from a pharmacy. It’s important to follow the directions on how to use the cream carefully. Speak with your pharmacist to make sure you buy the correct cream.

HOW LONG DOES SCABIES TAKE TO HEAL?

Scabies is usually treated effectively with no long-term complications. Some people have an immune reaction to the mites, their eggs or faeces (poo) that causes itching for 4 weeks after treatment. If this happens, see your doctor. They may prescribe you other medicine.

If the itching doesn’t clear up in a few weeks, see your doctor. You may be allergic to the mites or have been re-infested.

CAN SCABIES BE PREVENTED?

There are ways to prevent scabies from spreading to others if you have been diagnosed.

Firstly, all household contacts must be treated for the disease.

Then you must wash all of your clothes, towels and bedding in water that is 60 degrees celsius or higher.

It is essential that your house and furnishings are thoroughly vacuumed.

Any clothes or items that can’t be washed should be put in a sealed bag for eight days.

Originally published as Scabies outbreak explained: The symptoms and how to treat it