How to spot, treat, and prevent scabies

The main symptoms of the problem are intense itching and a rash in the areas of the body where mites have burrowed.

- By CAMILLA FOSTER

SCABIES is a common skin condition, yet is widely misunderstood.

It causes itching and rashes, much like other skin conditions, which can make it very difficult to identify. We reached out to some experts who offer some guidance on how to recognise, treat, and prevent this contagious condition.

What is scabies?

"Scabies is a common skin infestation caused by the Sarcoptes scabiei mite," explains Dr Miriam Mikicki, GP and functional medicine practitioner at health.miro. "These mites lay eggs under the skin, causing an allergic reaction that leads to intense itching and a distinctive rash."

When a person is first infected, it can take up to eight weeks for symptoms to appear, the NHS explains, as the body needs time to develop an allergic reaction to the mites.

Scabies often affects skin between the fingers, around the wrists, under the arms, and around the waist, groin and bottom. "Scabies mites prefer warm, moist areas of the body," explains Dr Aleksandar Godic, consultant dermatologist at The Harley Street Dermatology Clinic.