Scabies

Scabies isn't a serious condition and is easily treatable but it's quite contagious so it’s important that everyone knows what to look out for and how to get treated.

Scabies is a skin condition caused by tiny mites that burrow into your skin. It’s not fun, but it’s totally treatable. Here’s what to look out for:

  • Itching that gets worse at night
  • Small red bumps or blisters
  • Rashes, often between your fingers, on your wrists, armpits, waist, or other warm spots

If you’re not itchy yet, but worried you’ve been exposed, remember that symptoms can take 4-8 weeks to appear, so keep an eye out and act fast if they start.

How Does It Spread?
Scabies spreads pretty easily through:

  • Close skin-to-skin contact with someone who’s got it
  • Sharing things like bedding, towels, or clothes

Scabies thrives in places where people are close together - like university campuses – which is why it’s important to be alert.

Can Scabies Affect Everyone?
Scabies has nothing to do with being dirty or unhygienic. It can affect anyone, regardless of how often you shower or how clean your room is. It's just particularly fond of crowded places like, you guessed it, shared accommodation.

What to Do If You Think You’ve Got It
Visit your local pharmacy: scabies isn't usually serious, but it does need treatment. A pharmacist can help you manage it effectively.

  • Get the right treatment: The pharmacist will recommend a cream or lotion to apply over your whole body, including your scalp and face (except around your eyes).
  • Inform them you're a university student: this helps them to track any potential outbreaks.
  • Stay at home: Give it 24 hours after starting treatment before you come back to campus and classes.

If the rash gets worse after treatment or you’re really struggling, book in with a GP for extra advice—just let them know you’ve already been to the pharmacy first.

Treatment Basics
You’ll need to use the cream or lotion as directed and do it again after 7 days.  Even after treatment, the itching might stick around for a couple of weeks - it’s just your skin calming down, not a sign the mites are still there.

If you’re pregnant or breastfeeding, tell the pharmacist so they can adjust things for you.

Everyone in your flat or house should get treated at the same time, even if they’re symptom-free and if you’ve had sexual contact with anyone in the last 8 weeks, they’ll need treatment too.

Scabies is very contagious, and the rash might not show up for up to 8 weeks, so don’t wait to act.  If someone you’re in close contact tells you they have scabies, visit the pharmacist as soon as possible.

Keeping It Under Control
Here’s how you can help stop the spread:

  • Wash Your Stuff: Hot wash your bedding, clothes, and towels regularly.
  • Don’t Share: Keep your towels, bedding, and clothes to yourself for now.
  • Shared Spaces: You don’t need to stress about kitchens or bathrooms—just avoid skin contact and keep your personal stuff separate. The mites don’t live long off your body anyway.
     

We’re Here for You
Scabies isn’t exactly a fun topic, but it’s much more common than you think. By staying informed and taking these precautions, we can all help keep our university community scabies-free. We understand this is a sensitive topic and are here to support you and keep things confidential. If you have any questions or concerns, don't hesitate to email studentlife@worc.ac.uk.