01/04/2026
🦠 Scabies in Our Community—What You Should Know 🦠
I’ve recently been seeing an increase in scabies cases here in our local area, so I wanted to share some helpful information and clear up a few common concerns.
Scabies is more common than people think and can affect anyone—it’s not related to poor hygiene. The good news is that with the right treatment and approach, it can be managed effectively.
🔍 What is scabies?
Scabies is caused by tiny mites that burrow into the skin, leading to irritation and an allergic reaction. It spreads through close skin-to-skin contact, which is why it often moves through households.
⚠️ 1. Symptoms can be easy to miss at first.
The most common signs I’m seeing include:
• Intense itching, especially at night
• Small red bumps or rash
• Common areas: between fingers, wrists, elbows, waistline
Itching can persist even after treatment, so it’s important not to assume treatment hasn’t worked straight away.
💊 2. Treatment needs to be thorough.
Effective treatment is essential to prevent reinfestation. This may include:
✔️ Topical treatments (first-line) applied to the whole body except head
✔️ Oral treatment in some cases (prescription required)
✔️ Treating all household members at the same time—even if they don’t have symptoms
Correct application and timing are key—I often find treatment failures come down to incomplete coverage or not repeating the treatment at the recommended interval.
🧺 3. Don’t forget environmental control.
To reduce the risk of reinfestation:
• Wash bedding, towels, and clothing in hot water or place in the dryer on a high heat setting
• Items that can’t be washed can be sealed in a bag for several days
• Vacuuming soft furnishings can also help
⏳ 4. Itching doesn’t always mean treatment failure.
Even after successful treatment, itching can continue for a few weeks due to the body’s reaction to the mites. This is normal, but if symptoms persist or worsen, it’s worth following up.
Scabies can feel frustrating, but it’s very manageable with the right advice and support. If you’re unsure about symptoms or how to treat it properly, feel free to pop in and have a chat—I’m always happy to help guide you through it.
💬 If you have any questions, drop them below or speak to me in store.
— Rebecca Johnston, Pharmacist 🩺💚
Curra Community Pharmacy
2 David Drive
Curra QLD 4570
P: 07 5481 6699
E: [email protected]
