Scabies: what you need to know
14 July 2026
We are aware of a small number of scabies cases in healthcare and community settings across the Hywel Dda area.
There is currently an increased prevalence of scabies within the community, which can contribute to occasional outbreaks in healthcare settings and other close-contact environments. Appropriate infection prevention and control measures are in place, and affected individuals and their close contacts are being supported with treatment and advice.
Scabies is a common skin condition caused by a microscopic mite and can affect people of all ages. While it is highly contagious through prolonged skin-to-skin contact, it is not usually associated with serious illness and can be treated effectively. It is important to note that scabies is not linked to poor personal hygiene, and anyone can be affected.
We would like to take this opportunity to remind staff, patients and members of the public of the signs and symptoms of scabies, and the importance of completing treatment correctly to prevent re-infestation and further spread.
Signs and symptoms of scabies
Symptoms can include:
- Intense itching, often worse at night
- A rash with small red spots and scratch marks
- Symptoms affecting the hands, wrists, between the fingers, feet, groin and breast areas
- Several people in the same household or close-contact group becoming itchy around the same time
Preventing re-infestation
Scabies can be successfully treated with medication available through healthcare professionals and pharmacies. Successful treatment relies on everyone who may have been exposed being treated at the same time.
If scabies has been diagnosed, all household members and close contacts should receive treatment at the same time, even if they do not have symptoms. Treatment usually involves two applications of medication, seven days apart.
To help prevent re-infestation:
- Clothes, towels, and bed linen should be machine-washed at 50°C or above immediately after the first application of treatment. This kills the scabies mites. Place items that cannot be washed in a sealed bag for three days
- Ensure household members and other close contacts are informed and treated at the same time
- Complete the full course of treatment as advised
It is also important to remember that itching can continue for several weeks after successful treatment. This does not necessarily mean that treatment has been unsuccessful.
Seeking advice
If you think you may have scabies, or if symptoms persist following treatment, please seek advice from your GP, community pharmacist or NHS 111 Wales.
Scabies is usually spread through prolonged skin-to-skin contact. Although spread through clothing, bedding and towels is possible, this is much less common.
The risk to the wider public remains low. People should continue to attend healthcare appointments and access NHS services as normal.
By recognising the symptoms early and ensuring everyone who may be affected is treated together, we can help prevent re-infestation and reduce the spread of scabies in our communities.