Scabies is a very common skin mite infection. It is spread extremely easily from one person to another; close direct contact is probably required. The incubation period can be very prolonged - over many months, in fact. It can be hard to distinguish scabies from other causes of skin rash.
It generally causes an intense itch which is worse at night or after bathing. On the genital area, it may cause quite large itchy lumps, rather like 'heat spots'. It also commonly affects the hands, and other parts of the body. If you're HIV positive, you may be prone to a more severe form of the condition. Treatment is with lotions - leave on for the time required and if you need to wash your hands, reapply after washing. Be careful to apply the lotion in all the crevices of the body such as the fingerwebs and soles of the feet. All family members and anyone with whom you have been in close physical contact should also be treated.