Scabies
Scabies is one of the more common infections, because it is easily passed on through skin contact. About 1 in a hundred gay men reported catching scabies in the last year. Most men treat themselves at home or their doctor treats them.
Scabies is an infection of the skin caused by tiny parasitic mites. They burrow under the skin, causing itching.
What do they look like?
The mites can’t be seen. Itching can be so mild that you don’t realise you have scabies.
- For other people the itching can be intense, usually starting two to six weeks after infection
- The mites burrowing under the skin can leave red lines, especially between fingers and around wrists
- Mites can also be found on your feet, buttocks, stomach, arse, cock and balls.
How are they passed on?
- Scabies is easily passed on through body contact during sex
- It could be passed on through sharing clothes, towels and bedding (but this is unlikely).
How are they prevented?
There’s no way to stop infection but this will stop it spreading:
- People will need to be treated if they’ve had sex with or shared a bed, towels, clothing or bedding with someone with scabies
- Any shared clothing, bedding and towels should be washed on a hot wash
- Leather clothing can be dry cleaned.
How are they treated?
Chemists sell lotions to treat scabies for a few pounds (no prescription needed)
- The lotions are free from GUM clinics
- Quellada is one brand that treats scabies
- You spread the lotion over your whole body, including palms of your hands, soles of your feet and between fingers and toes - but not your face or head
- You leave it on for 24 hours
Even when the treatment works you may still itch for several weeks - If after two weeks you still itch, a GUM clinic will advise you what to do
- Only repeat the treatment if a doctor tells you to, as too much lotion can irritate your skin
- No one is immune to scabies. If you had them before you can get them again.
