Health Message
Tuesday, 4th August 2026 at 10:50am
Health Message from GBHS Nursing Team
We are aware of an increase in reported cases of scabies across parts of the North Island, including Auckland, and wanted to share some information to help families recognise the signs and know what to do if someone develops scabies.
What is scabies? Scabies is a contagious skin condition caused by an allergic reaction to tiny mites that burrow under the skin, resulting in an intensely itchy rash.
Key facts:
- It’s easily spread through close skin-to-skin contact with a person who has scabies, or through shared bedding or clothing.
- You need to treat scabies with medication. It won’t go away on its own. You can buy this from your pharmacy or get it on prescription from your doctor or nurse prescriber.
- Two separate treatments are required for each member of your household
- Your child can go back to school 24 hours after the first treatment.
- It can take time for the allergic reaction to develop, so people can be infected without symptoms. That is why everyone who lives in the same household as the person with scabies needs to be treated at the same time.
- You’ll also need to wash all clothing and bedding in hot water after treatment.
- The itch and rash may continue for a few weeks even though the mite is gone.
Please refer to the following links for more information:
Extended Pharmacy Services
Participating community pharmacies can assess and treat a range of common health conditions, including scabies, without the need to visit a GP.
Scabies treatment is available for eligible children under 14 years of age, and treatment may also be provided for eligible household members to help prevent reinfection.
For more information about the services available through this initiative, including eligibility criteria and participating pharmacies, please CLICK HERE
