Scabies

Description:

It is a parasitic mite.

Effects:

• It spreads and the symptoms get worse
• You can pass it on to your sexual partner(s)

Cause:

• Close body contact with an infected person
• Rarely, infected bed linen or clothes may transmit the mite

Symptoms:

• Itching, especially at night
• Silvery lines on your skin and between your fingers

Treatment:

• It can be treated with lotions – for you and your partner(s)

Prevention:

• Avoid skin-to-skin contact with an infected person

(Source: Health Service Executive (HSE), 2007)