Transmission, symptoms and screening for scabies

Scabies is caused by tiny mites (invisible to the naked eye) that sink under the skin to dig furrows and lay their eggs. Scabies is spread through sexual contact with an infected person or by sharing objects such as towels, bedding or clothing.

The following symptoms may appear 2 to 6 weeks after exposure:

• Intense itching, especially at night
• Skin rashes (thin grey or red lines)
• Lesions, usually on the wrists, between fingers and toes, on the armpits and groins, on the penis, around the vulva or breasts and in other folds of the skin
• Red, irritated or inflamed penis skin