Scabies
A skin disease caused by a barely visible mite called Sarcoptes scabies. It affects people of all ages.

Mode of Spread
Scabies spread through direct contact with an infected person. Clothing and bedding may carry the mite, but infection is usually spread by close contact.

Clinical features
The main symptom is intensive itchiness which is more severe at night. The common affected areas are finger webs and the skin folds of wrists, armpits, buttocks, groins, elbows, nipples and lower abdomen. The face and scalp are usually not affected, except in small infants. Thread-like lesions or vesicles may be seen on the skin.

Incubation period
For people without previous exposure of the disease, incubation period is around two to six weeks. People who have been previously infested may develop symptoms earlier, usually within 1-4 days after re-exposure.

Management
People who have symptoms of scabies should consult doctor promptly. The doctor will prescribe medicated lotions and medications for application onto the body. The medications can kill the mite and control itchiness. The patient's family should also seek medical advice and receive treatment if necessary so as to avoid spread of the disease. Patient's clothing and bedding must be washed in hot water and ironed so as to get rid of the mite and its eggs.

Prevention
1. Maintain good personal hygiene including having a bath and changing of clean clothes everyday.
2. Avoid sharing of clothing with others.
3. Household contacts and close personal contacts of infected people should be screened for scabies.

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