Scabies contagious

My dad was diagnosed with scabies and is being treated. He has had this for about 3 months and still has the itching, etc.  Now, he and his wife have asked my family to visit for Father's Day.  But, I am secretly hesitant, as I know this is contagious and the mites can even get on us from their furniture.

He is a dentist.  He is a OCD guy about germs but still maybe some of his OCD-ness has passed on to me, as I am afraid one of us (I have 3 kids 8-14) will get this!!! I have read that they can be passed on even with a hug.  And you won't know you have it for a few weeks, till the eggs hatch under your skin.

Please advise.  I am nervous.

[Bhupinder Kaur, MD]

Hello,
Scabies is a very contagious skin condition that is caused by a mite. The mite cannot live more than three days without a human host, but it can survive up to a month when living on a human. This means that symptoms of the condition can last for months or even years.

Scabies is almost always spread by protracted skin-to-skin contact with a person who carries the mite. Less commonly, scabies infestation can happen through the sharing of clothes and bedding.

Hope it helps.Take care and pls do keep me posted on how you are doing or if you have any additional doubts.Kind regards.