'If You are Suffering from Scabies', 1942

Lithograph poster designed by Abram Games, printed by H Manly and Son Limited, for HM Stationery Office, 1942.

This poster warns against the dangers of scabies and explains what symptoms to look out for. It also advises soldiers to seek medical attention if they suspect they are infected. Scabies is caused by a small mite which burrows into the skin. This insect can pass from person to person via body contact, or by sharing clothing, towels and bedding with someone.

In his memo sent to Jack Beddington at the Ministry of Information in 1940, Games wrote 'The men do not make adequate use of bathing and laundry facilities, and the changing of clothes at night is also neglected. The importance of these simple measures in the prevention of lice and diseases conveyed by them, scabies, ringworm and other infectious skin diseases cannot be over-estimated.'

From a collection of 45 posters from World War Two (1939-1945).