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BOS-PRD-0304.900001
Version 04. Original date: 25/05/2012. Version date: 31/12/2014. Valid version only on QMS site.Uncontrolled document when printed.
Procedure prepared by: BOS QHSE Coordinator. Approved by: BOS QHSES Manager. Validated by: BOS Quality Representative
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Scabies is a contagious, extremely itchy, skin disorder that leads to a rash.
It is not linked to a poor personal hygiene, it is caused by an infestation with a parasite - the scabies mite.
Scabies mites are not visible to the naked eye. They live on the skin and burrow into it to lay eggs. The itch
and rash can develop on any part of the skin, away from where the mites are actually burrowing. This means
that you are infectious (and can spread scabies) before you even know you have scabies. Incubation time
can take from 2 to 6 weeks.
You need close skin-to-skin contact with an infected person to catch scabies. This is because the scabies
mite cannot jump or fly. Most cases of scabies are probably caught from prolonged hand-holding with an
infected person. The hand is the most common site to be first affected.
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Mite tunnels (burrows). These may be seen on the skin as fine, dark, or silvery lines about 2-10 mm
long. They most commonly occur in the loose skin between the fingers (the web spaces ), the inner
surface of the wrists, and the hands. However, they can occur on any part of the skin. You may not
notice the burrows until a rash or itch develops.
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Itching. This is often severe and tends to be in one place at first (often the hands), and then spreads
to other areas. The itch is generally worse at night and after a hot bath. You can have widespread
itching, even with only a few mites. Scratching due to intense itching can cause minor skin damage.
In some cases the damaged skin becomes infected by bacteria - a secondary skin infection.
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Rash. The rash usually appears soon after the itch starts. It is typically a blotchy, lumpy red rash that
can appear anywhere on the body. The rash is often most obvious on the inside of the thighs, parts
of the abdomen and buttocks, and armpits. The appearance of the rash is often typical. However,
some people develop unusual rashes which may be confused with other skin conditions.
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Aggravation of pre-existing skin conditions. Scabies can worsen the symptoms of other skin
conditions, particularly itchy skin problems such as eczema, or problems such as psoriasis. Scabies
can be more difficult to diagnose in these situations too.
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To prevent the spread of scabies, all clothing, bedding and towels used by someone with scabies should be
disinfected. This can be done by having the items dry cleaned, washed in hot water (60°C), or dried in hot
dryer, or by placing the items in plastic bag for no less than 72 hours (scabies mites can survive outside the
human body for between 24-36 hours, so it is possible to become infested by coming into contact with
contaminated clothes, or bed linen).
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Scabicides are the products used to treat scabies. These lotions or creams will be prescribed by a doctor.
The lotion should be applied to a clean body from the neck down and remain in place for the required
amount of time before removal. Always read and follow the instructions carefully.
If someone on board shows some of the symptoms listed above, he shall see a doctor or healthcare provider
immediately, and the rest of the crew shall be informed so the necessary preventive measures can be taken.
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