Scabies: a problem that can really get under your skin

It is difficult to assess the prevalence of scabies with any degree of accuracy as it is a condition that is often misdiagnosed or tends to be treated without medical or nursing consultation (Gould, 2010). It is highly contagious and its timely identification will help not only the patient themselves but should also limit transmission. Despite the stigma surrounding scabies, it is a condition that has no preference for age, sex, ethnic or socioeconomic group (Chosidow, 2006). It is not linked to poor hygiene since scabies mites are resistant to soap and hot water (Heukelbach and Feldmeier, 2006).

The scabies mite is an obligate parasite and causes an infestation rather than an infection (Gould, 2010), although secondary infection may occur as a result of infestation. The particular variety is named according to its host, Sarcoptes scabiei var hominis, and most commonly affects humans (Strong and Johnstone, 2007). Although it is possible to catch different varieties from animals, these tend to be limited to the area in contact with the animal and self-limiting in nature, requiring no treatment (Heukelbach and Feldmeier, 2006).