07/04/2026
Scabies: What you need to know 🦠✨
Scabies is a common itchy skin condition caused by tiny mites. It spreads through close skin contact (e.g., family members, partners).
Common symptom: 👏
Intense itching (often worse at night)
Small bumps or rash
Thin, wavy lines on the skin (burrows)
Common areas: hands, wrists, waist, armpits, groin
Treatment: 💊🧴
Use Permethrin 5% cream
Apply to the whole body (neck down) before bed
Wash off in the morning
Repeat in 7 days
Sometimes doctors prescribe Ivermectin tablets
Itching may continue for a few weeks after treatment (this is normal)
Prevention tips: 🛑✋
Treat everyone in your household at the same time
Wash clothes, bedding, and towels in hot water
Dry on high heat
Items you can’t wash: seal in a bag for 3 days
Avoid close contact until treatment is done
When to come and see us: 👩⚕️
Symptoms don’t improve after treatment
Skin becomes red, painful, or infected
Young children or elderly are affected
💛 Kia kaha whaanau - treat early, treat together, stop the spread ✨
