General information, not a diagnosis Method and limitations

Fact sheetParasite

Scabies

Human scab is an infestation by a mite. It is not deduced by a simple itching.

Documentary Enrichment: · General information

Essentials

Parasitic skin infestation transmitted mainly during prolonged skin contacts, with the possibility of group episodes.

Agent
Sarcoptes scabiei var. hominis
Transmission or exposure
Close contact

Situation and vulnerability

Communities and close contacts promote dissemination. Immunosuppression can promote a highly contagious crustal scab.

Signs and limits of their interpretation

Itching often nocturnal and skin lesions are possible. The crusty scab may cause little itching.

Diagnosis and monitoring

A medical examination distinguishes the scab from other causes. Signs may appear late after infestation.

Check these benchmarks in the WHO reference →

Prevention and care

Treatment of persons and management of contacts and linen must be coordinated according to the prescription.

Practical issues

Should we wait for all the close ones to scratch?

No. Symptoms can be delayed. The team specifies which contacts to treat to limit reinfestations.

Preparing for an exchange with a professional

  • Start of itching and close contact
  • Other persons concerned
  • Treatments already applied

Bring the full minutes and dates. This information facilitates evaluation; its collection must not delay an urgent appeal.

Individual decisionThe choice of a test, treatment or prevention depends on the local situation and recommendations. In case of distress, call 911.
An empty specimen collection room, comfortable chair, unopened sterile supplies and soft light. AI-generated illustration.
Prevention illustration — Gale — An empty specimen collection room, comfortable chair, unopened sterile supplies and soft light.
Image generated by artificial intelligence. AI illustration; it does not depict a disease, biological agent or diagnosis.

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Related fact sheets

These sheets share ways or contexts of exhibition in our catalogue. This reconciliation does not establish a differential diagnosis.

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Further reading

These publications help you verify the concepts discussed. Disease records and directory entries each identify their sources.

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