Scabies is the name of a skin condition caused by an immune reaction to the mite Sarcoptes scabiei and their saliva, eggs and faeces. The typical presentation is an intensely itchy rash often worse at night. The rash is associated with visible burrows, nodules and redness, mainly between fingers and in skin folds/creases. Symptoms may last for weeks or months, can be hard to recognise and are often mistaken to be other skin conditions.
There are two forms of scabies both caused by the same mite. ‘Classical scabies’ which has fewer than 20 mites all over the body and is the most common form. ‘Crusted scabies’ which may be seen in individuals with lowered immunity, can have thousands or millions of mites causing a more severe reaction in the skin and is the rarer form of scabies.
A downloadable Community Infection Prevention and Control (IPC) Policy which can be adopted by your organisation is available below. Alternatively, a complete set of IPC Policies for Domiciliary Care staff is available to purchase @ £74.99, including postage – details can be found on the flyer and resource order form below.
Page updated: 15/07/2024
Dom Care Order Form
