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Scabies is a parasitic infection that causes a rash, itching, and can lead to serious problems. This infestation is caused by tiny mites that burrow under your skin. Some symptoms include:

A rash in infants and small children, including on the palms, soles of the feet, ankles, and scalp

Enflamed bumps on male genitalia and female breasts

itchy lines and bumps on the fingers, wrists, arms, legs, and belt area

Severe itching that gets worse at night

(World Health Organization, 2023)

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The prevalence of scabies is worldwide, but it is high in low-income tropical areas and developing countries.

High numbers of scabies in a population correlates with inadequate hygiene, homelessness, poverty, and poor nutrition status

Outbreaks that are in industrialized countries can occur sporadically or institutionally in schools, nursing homes, long-term acute care, hospitals, prisons, and areas of overcrowding.

In resource-poor areas, children and older people are at the greatest risk of contracting scabies.

The highest prevalence of scabies geographically is in Africa, South America, Australia, and Southeast Asia.

(Murray & Crane, 2023)

(World Health Organization, 2023)

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Treatment for scabies includes topical creams or oral medications in more severe cases.

Topical treatments include 5% permethrin cream, 0.5% malathion in aqueous base, 10-25% benzyl benzoate emulsion, 5-10% sulphur ointment

Orally, Ivermectin is taken and is highly effective

Treatments for complications of scabies may also be needed.

antiseptic

antibiotics

(Murray & Crane, 2023)

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Scabies is a neglected tropical disease (NTD) that is a global health concern. This is a contagious parasitic infection where the mite, Sarcoptes scabiei, burrows into the skin and lays eggs, which causes intense itching and a rash (World Health Organization, 2023).

Transmission of scabies is by direct skin-to-skin contact or indirectly by contact with contaminated material (fomites).

Scabies can lead to complications such as skin sores, sepsis, heart disease, and kidney problems.

After hatching, within 4-6 weeks, patients develop an allergic reaction to the mite proteins and feces in the scabies burrows, which intensifies the itch and rash.

When an infestation occurs, papules will present on the skin within 2-5 weeks. These papules are comma-shaped and typically, infestations occur under thin skin, such as in interdigital folds, areolae, and the navel region (Murray & Crane, 2023).

(Murray & Crane, 2023)

(World Health Organization, 2023)

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Global Health Partnerships Related to Scabies

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Global Health Partnerships Related to Scabies

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World Health Organization (WHO) 2030 global targets for scabies include:

Getting countries to incorporate scabies management in the universal health coverage package of care

Getting countries to conduct MDA intervention in endemic areas

WHO includes Ivermectin on the essential medicines list for scabies, and many suppliers who have been WHO prequalified

(World Health Organization, 2023)

World Scabies Program:

Working with governments and partners to eliminate Scabies

Aim to put scabies control on national and global agendas

implement community-wide treatment strategies, and strengthen health systems to monitor and manage scabies

(World Scabies Program, 2024)

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How to Prevent/Treat Scabies Infestation

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How to Prevent/Treat Scabies Infestation

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Treating scabies is the best way to prevent an outbreak.

To prevent scabies from spreading, you should:

Avoid skin-to-skin contact with an infested person

Clean and vacuum rooms after an infested person has been treated

Seal items that can't be washed in a plastic bag for a week to eliminate the mites

wash and dry bedding and clothes that have been in contact with the infested person using hot water and drying in direct sunlight or a hot dryer cycle

Treat all members of the household if someone has scabies

(World Health Organization, 2023)

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References

Murray, R. L., & Crane, J. S. (2023, July 31). Scabies. National Library of Medicine. https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/books/NBK544306/.

World Health Organization. (2023, May 31). Scabies. World Health Organization. https://www.who.int/news-room/fact-sheets/detail/scabies.

World Scabies Program. (2024). An initiative of the Murdoch Children's Research Institute. World Scabies Program. https://www.worldscabiesprogram.org/.