Scabies Awareness

Scabies Awareness for Therapists

A recent report on BBC national news has highlighted the increase in cases of Scabies in the UK. As a therapist, it is important that you are aware of the signs and symptoms of scabies and what precautions and action should be taken if you suspect that someone in your household, or a client, presents with this infectious skin condition.

What is Scabies

• Scabies is a contagious skin condition.
• It is a very itchy rash caused by mites that burrow under the skin.
• The rash can start up to two months after being infected.

How is it contracted and spread?

• Scabies is passed on through skin-to-skin contact.
• Hands are usually the first area to be affected.

What are the main signs of scabies?

• Scabies causes an itchy rash that can appear anywhere on the body but most commonly on the fingers, hands, wrist, underarms, genitals, buttocks, breast area, inside of legs, around the waist and sides of the body.
• The burrow marks made by the mites are short, about 1cm or less and are wavy and silver-coloured lines on the skin with a black dot at one end that is visible with the use of a magnifying glass.
• Itching is worse at night in a warm bed.

What to do if you suspect a client has scabies?

• If you suspect a client has scabies, tactfully ask them about their rash, how long they have had it, if they have seen their GP/pharmacist, if it is being treated? Remember that you cannot diagnose conditions or say that you suspect scabies.
• If you are still unsure you can refuse and stop treatment. Remember, even if it is not scabies, you should not be treating open and broken skin to avoid infection.
• Advise your client that as a responsible therapist, taking good care of your clients is of the utmost importance and that you cannot treat them until they have had a diagnosis and advice on treatment from their GP or pharmacist. Advise them that you will be more than happy to reschedule an appointment after they have been given a diagnosis and that there is no fee for the cancelled session.
• Follow your Hygiene Protocol for your clinic and clean all surfaces including the floor, remove and wash all linens at 60o. Shower and change your clothes.

What to do if you suspect you or a household member has scabies?

• Contact your GP or pharmacist for advice and treatment.
• You can also contact NHS 24 by calling 111
• Do not treat any clients whilst you and close family members are undergoing treatment. Follow the advice from your GP/pharmacist on when you can return to work.
• Clean all household bedding and towels at 60o, vacuum/clean floors and soft furnishing.
• Shower and pay attention to personal hygiene
• Follow your Clinic Hygiene Protocols for cleaning your clinic.

Hygiene precautions

As a therapist you should have an up-to-date Risk Assessment for your clinic which will include clear hygiene protocols. As a minimum this should include: –

• Ensuring your space is clean and free of clutter and that the floor is cleaned/vacuumed daily.
• Pay attention to personal hygiene i.e. clean clothing, hair secured and washing your hands up to the elbow in warm water for 20s before and after every client.
• Cleaning any bolsters and the massage couch after each client paying particular attention to the area around the face hole.
• Using clean massage cover/couch roll and towels for each client and removing and securing the used linens/disposables after every client.
• Use of a clean spatula or similar to scoop out massage medium for each client.
• Washing all linens in a warm wash.
• Ensuring bathroom facilities are clean with a fresh towel (paper or linen) for each client.

Your hygiene protocols are there to protect you and your clients and are essential to prevent bugs and viruses being passed on.  There are no additional hygiene precautions for scabies.

https://www.nhsinform.scot/illnesses-and-conditions/skin-hair-and-nails/scabies/

If you have any further questions, contact SMTO for further advice.

Author – Patricia Aitchison – 4/11/2024