ABSTRACT
Scabies is an infestation by the mite Sarcoptes scabiei var hominis. Worldwide there are approximately 300 million people diagnosed with the condition each year. In the UK current prevalence is unknown but it is certainly a lot less common than during the Second World War when an estimated 5% of the UK population was infested. The mite is transmitted by skin contact such as sharing a bed and close household contact. It is not easily transmitted by brief touching such as a handshake and is unlikely to be transmitted just by sharing an inanimate object such as a towel. Epidemics occur in nursing homes, schools and other institutions. Although it is sexually transmissible it is unclear what proportion of infections are actually sexually transmitted. Scabies finds itself in this book because for many people, genital symptoms are the most irritating feature of the infestation.
