Scabies: management advice for health professionals
Guidance for public health professionals to manage scabies cases and outbreaks, including recommendations for diagnosis, treatment and wider control measures.
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This national guidance has been developed to aid the public health management of scabies cases (both classical and crusted scabies) and the prevention and control of outbreaks.
It has been developed based on what is currently known about the epidemiology of scabies and a review of the literature on diagnosis, treatment and wider control interventions. It is intended as a basis for consistent practice nationally, drawing upon the best available evidence and experience base.
Updates to this page
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Information has now been included on the licensed use of ivermectin for the treatment of scabies. Clarification that people diagnosed with scabies should be treated as soon as possible and should not wait for wider mass treatment in the setting. This is to minimise their symptoms, reduce risk of complications and reduce risk of further onward transmission. Specific considerations have been outlined for inclusion health settings, including prisons and places of detention, accommodation for people seeking asylum and hostels for people experiencing homelessness. Exclusion requirements have been clarified.
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Updated advice for single case management.
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Updated Appendix 1. Scabies Guidance Working Group membership list.
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First published.