Scabies questions, answered
Straight answers about scabies (jeuksiekte), treatment, laundry, children, pregnancy and Skabi-Rid.
About scabies
What is scabies (jeuksiekte)?
Scabies is an itchy skin infestation caused by a tiny mite, Sarcoptes scabiei, that burrows into the top layer of the skin and lays its eggs there. In Afrikaans it is called jeuksiekte.
What does scabies look like?
Scabies usually shows as an intensely itchy rash of small red bumps or tiny blisters, often between the fingers and on the wrists, elbows, armpits, waist, buttocks and genitals. The itch is usually worse at night.
How do you get scabies?
Scabies spreads through prolonged skin-to-skin contact with someone who has it: sharing a bed, close family contact, children playing together or sexual contact. A quick handshake or hug usually will not spread it.
Is scabies contagious?
Yes. Scabies passes easily between people in close, prolonged contact, which is why everyone in a household should be treated at the same time, even if they are not itching yet.
How long after contact do scabies symptoms start?
The first time someone gets scabies, the itch usually starts four to six weeks after contact. If you have had scabies before, it can start within one to three days.
Can I get scabies from my dog or cat?
No. The mite that causes human scabies lives only on people. Animals get mange from different mites, which may cause a short-lived itch on human skin but cannot breed there.
Is scabies caused by poor hygiene?
No. Anyone can get scabies, regardless of age or how clean they are. It spreads through close skin contact, and showering or bathing does not prevent it.
What is crusted (Norwegian) scabies?
Crusted scabies is a severe form in which the skin, especially on the hands, feet and body, becomes thick, scaly and crusted, with very large numbers of mites. It spreads very easily, often itches less, and needs a doctor's care.
Is it scabies or lice?
Scabies is caused by mites that burrow into the skin and cause a rash between the fingers, on the wrists and the body. Lice are small insects that live on hair (head and pubic lice) or in clothing seams (body lice), and you can usually see them or their eggs.
Treatment
How do I get rid of scabies?
Apply a scabicide such as permethrin 5% lotion over your whole body from the ears to the soles of your feet, leave it on overnight for 8 to 12 hours, wash it off in the morning, and treat everyone you live with on the same night.
Does everyone in my house need treatment?
Yes. Everyone you live with, or have close and prolonged skin contact with, should be treated on the same night, even if they have no symptoms, so the mites cannot pass back and forth.
Why am I still itching after scabies treatment?
Itching can carry on for a few weeks after treatment while the skin settles, even when the mites are gone. If the itch is not improving after a few weeks, or new burrows or spots appear, see your doctor or pharmacist.
What should a school, crèche or care home do about a scabies outbreak?
Treat everyone affected and their close contacts at the same time, wash bedding and clothes on a hot cycle, and involve a healthcare professional to confirm the diagnosis and plan treatment. Institutions can order Skabi-Rid in bulk at trade prices.
Using Skabi-Rid
How do I apply Skabi-Rid?
Shake the bottle, then apply Skabi-Rid over your whole body from the ears all the way down to the soles of your feet. Do not apply it directly to your face. Leave it on overnight and wash it off the next morning, after 8 to 12 hours.
How long do I leave Skabi-Rid on?
Leave Skabi-Rid on overnight, for eight to twelve hours, then wash it off the following morning with normal soap and water.
Do I need a second application of Skabi-Rid?
One application is often enough. The Skabi-Rid package insert says to repeat the treatment after two weeks if necessary, for example if new burrows or spots appear.
Can I use Skabi-Rid while pregnant or breastfeeding?
The Skabi-Rid package insert says its safety in pregnancy and breastfeeding has not been established. If you are pregnant or breastfeeding, talk to your doctor, pharmacist or another healthcare professional before using it.
Can children use Skabi-Rid?
Speak to your doctor or pharmacist before treating babies and young children with Skabi-Rid. They will advise how to apply it and how much to use.
Does Skabi-Rid have side effects?
Some people feel a burning sensation on the skin after applying Skabi-Rid. Mild itching, stinging and redness can also happen. If skin irritation continues, stop using it and talk to your doctor or pharmacist.
Home and laundry
How do I clean bedding, towels and clothes after scabies?
Wash bedding, towels and clothes used in the three days before treatment in hot water (60 °C or higher) and dry them on a hot cycle or in the sun. Seal anything you cannot wash in a plastic bag for at least three days.
Buying
Do I need a prescription for Skabi-Rid?
No. Skabi-Rid is a Schedule 0 (S0) medicine registered with SAHPRA (registration number A40/13.2/0756), so you can buy it without a prescription.
Where can I buy scabies treatment in South Africa?
You can order Skabi-Rid permethrin 5% lotion online at skabi-rid.co.za for courier delivery in South Africa. Pharmacies, clinics, schools and care homes can buy it at trade prices through a trade account.
Did not find your answer? Send us a question. For anything about symptoms or your health, speak to your doctor or pharmacist.