Scabies and pubic lice/crabs

Question 1

Symptoms of scabies

Answer 1

Intense itching, especially at night.
Raised rash which develops into spots, especially between the fingers, around wrists, under arms, and around waist, groin, or bum.
Line with a dot at the end.

Question 2

What is crusted scabies?

Answer 2

A very rare and contagious form of scabies which occurs in immunocompromised - crusted flaky rash on elbows, knees, hands and feet.

Question 3

Scabies lifestyle advice.

Answer 3

Does not happen from poor hygeine.
Very contagious - spread through close skin contact.
Wash all bedding and clothing >60C and dry in a hot dryer on the first day of treatment.
Put clothing that cannot be washed in a sealed bag for 3 days until the mites die.
Don’t have sex/close physical contact until treatment complete.
Don’t share bedding, clothing, or towels.
Stay off school/work until 24 hours after starting treatment.
Avoid scratching

Question 4

Scabies referral.

Answer 4

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Signs if infection
Other skin condition such as eczema
Signs of crusted scabies
Skin is still itchy 2-4 weeks after completing OTC treatment.
If not sure of diagnosis.

Question 5

Scabies OTC treatment

Answer 5

Lyclear/Permethrin 5%
Apply to dry, cool, clean skin - if skin hot after shower wait till cool.
Apply to whole body, including in between fingers and toes, soles of feet, palms, under nails.
Do not wash/wet body for 8-12 hours, reapply if occurs.
Wash body thoroughly with soap and waterafter 8-12 hours.
Repeat 7-14 days after.
Contains paraffin.

Question 6

Symptoms of pubic lice.

Answer 6

Visible lice in pubic hair, as well as chest hair, armpits, and eyelashes, not on head.
Itching, especially at night.
Small red/blue spots on skin (bites).
Dark red or brown spots in underwear (lice poo).
White/yellow dots in hair (eggs_

Question 7

Pubic lice lifestyle advice.

Answer 7

Wash clothes and bedding on hot wash >50 or put them in a plastic bag dor at least a week.
Vaccuum mattress to remove any lice.
Don’t share clothes, bedding or hygeine product e.g., razors
Avoid close body contact/sex during treatment

Question 8

Crabs OTC treatment

Answer 8

Lyclear/Permethrin 5% cream
Apply to pubic hair, inner thighs down to knees, and any other hair up to chest, plus other affected areas (e.g., beard) except eyelashes (remove with tweezers).
Leave on for 24 hours and then wash off with soap and water.
Repeat after 7 days.
Contains Paraffin

Question 9

Crabs referral.

Answer 9

If after 7 days of second treatment it still hasn’t worked - may be something else.
If unsure of diagnosis - send to GP or sex clinic for STI testing.