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*

*depends on your country

  • 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

The IACS Media Library is available Open Access to everyone who agrees with the Terms of Use.

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

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...

Expressions of Interests: Webinar Presentations 2022

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...