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.
The scabies mite is about 0.3 mm long, so it is very hard to see with the naked eye. It lives its whole life cycle in the skin. The body reacts to the mites, their eggs and their droppings with an intense itch that is usually worse at night.
The World Health Organization lists scabies as a neglected tropical disease. It affects hundreds of millions of people worldwide and is common wherever people live, sleep or play in close contact.
Scabies is treatable. A permethrin 5% lotion such as Skabi-Rid is applied over the whole body from the ears down, and everyone in close contact is treated on the same night. Read how to get rid of scabies.
Updated 15 October 2026. This is general information, not a diagnosis. If you are unsure, speak to your doctor or pharmacist.
S0 Skabi-Rid is a registered medicine (Reg. No. A40/13.2/0756). Read the package insert before use. If symptoms persist, see your doctor or pharmacist.