The rash arises due to an allergic reaction to the mite.  However, this could take a month or more to appear after first being exposed or infested with the scabies mite. Young children and infants may produce itchy pimples on their hands and feet.

Treatment at The Skin Hospital

At The Skin Hospital our Speciality Clinics are run by dermatologists who have sub-specialised in a chosen condition bringing deep knowledge and specific expertise, however all dermatologists at the Skin Hospital are highly trained to treat this condition..

An infection is caused my close contact (skin to skin) or sharing clothes and bedding with someone who has the infection.  The transfer of mites is increased in warmer temperatures as well as the itch often becoming worse at night.  The scabies mite leaves squiggly burrows in the skin, less than 1cm in length. These burrows are usually found between the fingers, wrists, feet and genitals.

Furthermore, the mite is unable to be seen without the use of a microscope.  Scraping the skin burrows will reveal the mite, eggs or faeces when examined.

Treatment must be done by all members of the same household who should be treated at the same time to ensure re-infection does not take place. This treatment involves all members of the family being prescribed a cream.

Furthermore, all bedding and clothes should be washed in hot water to kill the mite and its eggs.  In addition, these items can be put in a plastic bag for seven days in order to wait for the mite and its eggs to die.

If the itch continues and does not settle within a few weeks then you should be re-examined by your dermatologist.

Further Information

If you would like further information visit the sites below for more in-depth descriptions:

Scabies – ACD 

Scabies – DermNet NZ