GP Jennifer Grant answers your medical queries
Everyone in the house needs to be treated for scabies at the same time. Photo: Getty
Question: We have had scabies in our house for months, despite treatment and following all the guidelines. I heard somewhere that they are becoming resistant to treatment, like lice. Is that true and have you any tips?
Dr Grant replies: Scabies is a highly contagious skin infestation caused by the Sarcoptes scabiei mite. The scabies rash occurs when the mite burrows into the skin and the mite usually cannot be seen with the naked eye. It’s fair to say that scabies can occur at any age and affect individuals of any socioeconomic status.It occurs mostly in crowded conditions such as prisons or long-term care facilities as this increases the risk of transmission for scabies infestation….