Scabies is a skin condition caused by an immune reaction to the mite Sarcoptes scabiei and their saliva, eggs and faeces. The typical clinical presentation of infection is intense itching associated with burrows, nodules and redness, often worse at night. However, asymptomatic infection has been demonstrated in the older adults in care homes. Symptoms may last for weeks or months, can be hard to recognise and are often mistakenly attributed to other skin conditions, leading to avoidable transmission
A downloadable Community Infection Prevention and Control (IPC) Policy which can be adopted by your organisation is available below. Alternatively, a complete set of IPC Policies for Care Home settings available to purchase @ £89.99, including postage – details can be found on the flyer and resource order form.
Page updated: 14/05/2025
Care Home Order Form