Scabies

How can you get scabies?

You can get scabies if your body is very close to someone else’s. Mostly if you have sex or lie next to each other. But sex is not necessary. Scabies mites can also be found in bed sheets, blankets, towels, or clothes. 

At first, you might not notice that you have scabies. As a result, you could get it and pass it on without even knowing.

Can scabies make you sick?

No, it can’t. But the itch can be very annoying. You can get a cream for it.

What are the symptoms of scabies?

You can’t see scabies mites with the naked eye: they are too small. Symptoms you could have:

• Itch, sometimes on your whole body. It gets even worse at night and when it’s warm
• Visible burrows (holes) on your wrists and between your fingers 
• Small blisters or pimples on your hands, wrists, and feet
• Red pimples in your armpits and your groin, or on your nipples, penis, and scrotum (ball sack) 
• Sensitive, red skin because of scratching

Other symptoms?

Do you have other symptoms? They could be caused by something else. So it’s important to go to your GP or to the GGD. Don’t wait too long and make an appointment.

Check out the symptoms of other STDs

Treating scabies

Your doctor will examine you for scabies. Do you have scabies? Then you will get a lotion or pills. To be on the safe side, you always get a second treatment.

After the treatment, you can still feel itchy for 2-6 weeks. Is the itch still present after this time? Then get a new appointment with your doctor or GP. If necessary, they can refer you to a doctor at the hospital. 

Make sure you don’t pass on an STD

Do you have scabies? You don’t need to be ashamed about it. It can happen to everyone. Inform your sex partners and tell them honestly you have scabies, so they can get tested and treated too. You should also inform your housemates and people you have hugged or cuddled with. You can do this yourself. Anybody in your household will also get lotion and pills. They should use these at the same time as you. 

Also do these things so you don't get scabies again:

• After everyone has put on the creme, wash clothes, blankets, bedding and cuddly toys that you have used in the last 3 days at a minimum of 60 degrees
• Put non-washable fabrics in garbage bags for 72 hours and close them tightly.

You also need to do this when you got lotion or pills a second time.

Preventing scabies

Condoms don’t help against scabies.  This is how you can reduce your risk of getting scabies:

• Only wear someone else’s clothing if it has been washed
• Only use someone else’s bed sheets and blankets if they have been washed
• Don’t get too close to someone who has scabies