Dating With Scabies - Your Questions Answered

If you’re dealing with scabies and relationships you might feel like hiding away, but you don’t have to hit pause on your dating life. While managing scabies does require honesty and extra precautions, it’s entirely possible to maintain meaningful connections while you get it sorted.

Scabies is an itchy rash caused by tiny mites and spreads through close skin-to-skin contact, making open communication with any new partners essential. Dating with scabies can feel overwhelming, but thoughtful conversations and avoiding intimate contact for a little while can protect both your health and theirs.

While it’s natural to feel uneasy about bringing it up, being upfront demonstrates care, respect, and maturity. Most people will value your honesty and appreciate the effort you’re making to manage the situation responsibly.

Remember, scabies is highly treatable with a number of treatments. With a little patience, you’ll soon be able to enjoy dating again without worry.

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When To Tell A New Partner About Scabies

Discussing scabies with a new partner can feel seriously awkward, but timing and approach will make all the difference. First off, ensure it is scabies and get yourself checked out by your doctor. Next, you should have a conversation with your partner before any intimate contact to protect you both. Plus, by being honest from the start it helps build trust and gets your relationship off on the right foot.

Choosing a calm, private setting can help you both feel more comfortable. When bringing it up, be straightforward but considerate – remember they might never have heard of it. Explain to them what scabies is, how it’s treated and what steps you’re taking to manage it.

Reactions may vary. It’s perfectly normal for your partner to be worried, especially if they’ve never come across it before, so try and give them space to digest the information if they need it. Others may surprise you, appreciating your honesty and being happy to support you. Either way, be prepared for questions and answer any concerns openly.

Being upfront about scabies isn’t just about health, it’s about creating honesty and mutual respect in your relationship. A thoughtful, sincere approach can strengthen your bond and pave the way for open communication.

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Permethrin 5% cream is effective in treating scabies and lice infestations, providing quick relief from itching and irritation.

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Physical Intimacy And Scabies

Physical intimacy is a big part of relationships but when you’re dealing with scabies it’s best to hold off until you’ve finished treatment and you’re sure the mites are gone – this usually takes about a week or two with the right medication.

We know it might seem hard but, in the meantime, avoid sharing things like bedding, towels or clothes as scabies can spread that way too. It’s a good idea for your partner to be treated at the same time even if they don’t have symptoms, just to be safe.

You’ll know things are improving when the itching eases and your skin begins to heal though itching can continue for up to six weeks after treatment. If it doesn’t improve, check with your doctor. Being cautious now means you’ll be able to get back to intimacy soon. Plus, it shows how much you care about your partner’s health as well as your own.

Find out more about scabies, the symptoms and how to treat it in our scabies guides.

Having The Conversation

Try not to be embarrassed talking about scabies with a new or current partner. Like many things related to sexual or intimate health it can feel really awkward, but the key thing is to have that discussion.

Choose a quiet, private place to talk to them and be open and honest about the issue. Begin by explaining what scabies is and how it’s treated. There’s a good chance they won’t know much about it so you might have to clear up a few misconceptions.

Focus on the fact scabies is common, easily treatable and that you’re already managing it. Share your treatment plan with them and encourage them to get treated too. Reassure them that it’s something that can be resolved quickly and easily.

If they still seem unsure, direct them to their GP or pharmacy for more advice. We know it’s tough but having this conversation really does help protect you both and stop scabies spreading to others.

Lyclear

Lyclear 5% cream is a highly effective topical treatment used to clear scabies and crab mites and their eggs from the skin.

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Moving Forward Together

It sounds surprising but dealing with scabies can actually bring you closer as a couple. Supporting each other through treatment, whether it’s sharing updates or encouraging one another, can build trust and show you’re a team.

Once treatment is complete and symptoms have cleared, you can get back to normal dating activities with peace of mind. To avoid getting it again, it’s worth discussing ways to stay mindful. Avoid shared bedding in group settings and stay vigilant for early signs. Tackling something like this together makes a solid foundation for open communication, making your relationship stronger in the long run. Who knows, it may even be the thing you laugh about together one day.

Always Remember...

It is essential that you speak to a licensed medical professional before starting any skin infection medication. They can provide personalised, expert guidance, assess potential risks and ensure that your chosen treatment is safe and suitable for your health needs.

Moving On From Scabies

Scabies and relationships aren’t something anyone wants to deal with simultaneously but with honesty, care and the right approach it’s doable. Open communication and supporting each other through treatment can build trust and strengthen your relationship whether it’s early days or you’ve been dating for a while.

Scabies is easily treatable, and you’ll be back to dating without worry before you know it. Remember this is just a bump in the road, not the end of your journey.

What's Next?

If you think you have scabies or another skin infection, take our free and discreet skin infection consultation. Our medical experts will review your answers, check your medical history and make recommendations for the different treatment options available and which ones are best for you.

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