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How
do I get Scabies?
What does Scabies do to my body?
Is there a cure for Scabies?
How do I find out if I have Scabies?
How can I reduce my risk of getting Scabies?
How do I learn more about Scabies?
What is Scabies?
Scabies is similar to pubic lice, but
the bugs are too small to be seen.
The bugs dig under the skin.
How can I get Scabies?
- Scabies spreads quickly in places
where there a lot of people like
in hospitals, daycares and nursing
homes.
- In order to get scabies, you have
to be around someone who has it
for a long time (not just a quick handshake).
- It is easier
to get it if you spend the night
with someone who has scabies, and if you sleep in the same
bed.
What does Scabies do to my body?
- For a person who has never had scabies,
signs may take 4-6 weeks to begin.
For a person who has had scabies,
signs appear within several days.
- Scabies
causes very small itchy sores all
over the body. These sores can sometimes
get bacteria in them.
- Scabies also causes pimple-like
bumps, burrows (tunnels just under
the skin) or rash on the skin, especially
the area between the fingers; where
the skin folds on the wrist, elbow,
or knee; the penis, the breast, or
shoulder blades.
- Scabies is usually not on the neck
or face.
Is there a cure?
- You have to ask your doctor for a
liquid medicine that you will put
all over your body where you have
rashes or the burrows.
- You may itch for 2-3 weeks, but
it doesn't mean you still have Scabies.
Your doctor can give you more medicine
if you keep itching past 2-3 weeks,
or if the itching is very bad.
- You
should wash your clothes, bed sheets
and towels after treatment since the bugs can live in them.
How do I find out if I have Scabies?
Doctors can tell you have Scabies by
looking at the burrows (often in a
zigzag or "S" pattern)
or rash.
How can I reduce my risk of getting
Scabies?
Talk to Your Partner
Ask the person you are having sex with
if he or she has crabs or if they had
sex with someone who had Scabies. If
they have had sex with someone who
had Scabies, they will have to be treated.
Limit Number of Partners
If you are going to have sex, have
one partner and ask about their sexual history. The fewer people
you have sex with the safer you will be.
Don't Have Sex
Do not have sex with someone who has
Scabies, by doing so you can protect yourself from getting Scabies.
If he or she will not tell you they have Scabies, look and see
for yourself. Also, do not have sex until you are done with
your treatments.
Protect Yourself
Always use a condom when you are having
sex to help strengthen the chances of not getting Scabies.
How do I learn more about Scabies?
To learn
more about Scabies and other STIs call:
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