How is Scabies Transmitted , Spread ?

Scabies is spread from person to person by skin to skin touching or by contact with personal items or clothes of someone who is infected. The mites live on clothes, off skin and other items for about 4 days. This is why infections are common in places such as daycare centers, schools and other areas where people are in close contact.

Scabies can also be spread by sleeping in the same bed with someone who is infected. The mites are unable to jump so just sitting next to an infected person will not infect you. It is advised that if a member of a family is infected with Scabies, all members of that family should be treated.

You can also spread scabies to many other unaffected parts of your body if you touch an infected area and then touch a clean area.

It is the scabies eggs when hatched that are transmitted to other areas and people. Close contact—physical contact between sexual partners will also transmit the infection – even if it is only a very brief sexual encounter. So it is also advised that all sexual partners of an infected person, also be treated at the same time.

It is important to remember that this skin infection is very contagious.