Embarrassing Illnesses

Your GP will usually be able to diagnose scabies from the appearance of your skin, and by looking for the burrow marks

Testing for scabies burrow marks

The burrows of scabies mites can be highlighted by using an ink test. The ink is rubbed around an area of itchy skin, and is then wiped off using an alcohol pad. If scabies burrows are present, some of the ink will remain and will have tracked into the burrows, showing up as a dark line.

To confirm the diagnosis, a sample of skin may be gently scraped from the affected area, for examination under a microscope. The sample will be used to look for the mites, their eggs, and their faeces.

A diagnosis can often be confidently made if more than one family member has the same symptoms.

Where can I get a check-up?
There are a number of services you can go to. Choose the service you feel most comfortable with. A test can be done at:

• A genito-urinary medicine (GUM) or sexual health clinic. These clinics offer a free and confidential service. Their medical staff have specialist facilities for testing and systems for contacting, testing and treating sexual partners.
• Your general practice. Ask your GP or practice nurse.
• If you think you have scabies or have been in contact with someone who has scabies, you can go to a pharmacy for advice and treatment. If you do decide to treat yourself, you may want to consider having a sexual health check at some point, to make sure you don't have an STI.

Do I have to pay for a test?
Not if you go to a GUM clinic or sexual health clinic. If you go to your GP, you may have to pay a prescription charge for treatment.