Sarcoptes scabiei

Background

• A mite that causes scabies

Microbiology

• Eight-legged mite
• Lives on human skin, but can survive 24 hours on clothes and linens

Epidemiology

• Transmitted by direct contact
• In the case of crusted scabies, may also have transmission via fomites

Management

• 5% permethrin applied from hairline of neck down entire body, left for 12 hours, then washed off
  • Must be reapplied on any areas (like hands) that are washed during the 12 hours
• All clothes/beddings must either be washed in 50+ ºC water, or placed in a sealed plastic bag for 3 to 7 days
• Household contacts should be treated as well