The scabies mite is not related to lice but, like them, it has also become common.

It is tiny, just visible as a small dot and spreads from person to person, usually by close contact.

It is common in families and among young people

who may share a bed with a friend. It may spread to nurses from infected patients and then be further spread, particularly in nursing homes.

The female mite burrows into the skin and lays her eggs, which hatch and the immature larvae move out on to the skin, mature, mate and so the cycle continues.

There are often no symptoms for one or two months. It takes this time for the body to become sensitised to the mite.

This sensitivity produces a rash and an itch, which is usually worse in bed. It involves the trunk and the arms and legs but does not occur on the head and neck.

The typical burrows are not easy to see and are more common on the hands and wrists. The rash usually consists of red and raised papules or bumps and there are many scratch marks.

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