The International Alliance
for the Control of Scabies (IACS)
A global network of researchers, clinicians and public health experts committed to the control of human scabies and the promotion of health and wellbeing of all those living in affected communities.
Scabies Overview
What it is and why it is a problem
Human scabies is caused by infestation with the mite Sarcoptes scabiei var hominis. The mite, invisible to the naked eye, burrows into the epidermis and lays eggs and triggers a host immune response, leading to intense itching following infestation with just a few mites. Scabies infestation is frequently complicated by bacterial infection leading to the development of skin sores which in turn can cause more serious consequences such as septicaemia, heart and chronic kidney disease.
Recognised by the World Health Organization (WHO) as a neglected tropical disease, scabies remains a significant public health concern. The WHO has included scabies control in its 2021–2030 roadmap for neglected tropical diseases, highlighting ambitious global efforts to reduce its burden.

Disease burden
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Distribution
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Pathology & Sequelae
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Diagnosis
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Management
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Control and Elimination
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About IACS
Mission statement
The International Alliance for the Control of Scabies (IACS) is a global network committed to the control of human scabies and the promotion of health and wellbeing of all those living in affected communities.
We have over 300 members from more than 60 countries.
Did you know?
Scabies is one of the most common dermatological diseases in lower and lower middle income countries.
Globally scabies affects more than 207 million people at any time.
Resources

Media Library

Webinars

Publications
Get Involved
Become a Member
Associate Membership
FREE
- Access to IACS members pages and resources
- Access to Media Library
- Reference required from current member
- No voting privileges
Full Membership
Start at $20 USD*
- Voting privileges at Annual General Meetings
- Discounts at any paid events
- Access to IACS members pages and resources
- Access to Media Library
- Reference required from current member
Media Library
FREE
Existing members are now Associate members and may log in to access the media library or subscribe to one our our Full Membership packages.
News & Events
IACS Early Career Grant: 2022 Awardee Announced
We are excited to announce the second awardee from this year’s IACS Early Career Grants programme. Dr Sarika Palepu will receive funding from IACS and RSTMH for her project on ‘the impact of training front-line health care workers in improving the yield of scabies...
REGISTER NOW! IACS Annual Scabies Control Webinars 2022 (COR-NTD Research Links)
Reminder to Register Now! We are pleased to announce the registration links for the IACS Annual Scabies Control Webinars for 2022. Meeting 1 Tuesday 8 November 2022 11:00pm - 1:00am GMT (10:00am -12:00pm Australian EDT)Meeting 2 Tuesday 15 November 2022 9:00am -...
Expressions of Interests: Webinar Presentations 2022
If you are interested in presenting the findings of your scabies research or control programs at the 2022 IACS Annual Scabies Control Webinars please send a brief expression of interest to this email by the 5 October 2022. In your submission please include: proposed...