A student at our school, or in your child’s class has been diagnosed
with Scabies.
Information on Scabies:
What is it?
Scabies is a common skin rash caused by a
microscopic parasite, a mite that is found only on people. The mite
digs under the skin and lays eggs that hatch and start the infestation cycle.
The new mites dig more paths and lay more eggs. The rash appears as
red bumps and short, wavy lines in the skin (where the mites have dug).
It is especially common between the fingers and toes, and at the wrists and
ankles, but can occur anywhere. The rash is intensely itchy and usually
worse at night. Scabies is not dangerous, but it is very annoying.
Mites typically survive only 3 days off the body. Anyone can get scabies
from another person who has it through direct skin to skin contact,
or from clothes or bedding used by a person with scabies. The mites
cannot jump or fly, but they can crawl. They can live for 3 days off the body.
A person with scabies is contagious until they have been treated with medication.
How is it diagnosed and treated?
The infected person usually only has 10-12 mites on the body. The diagnosis
can be made by the typical appearance of the rash and accompanying symptoms
and can be confirmed by skin scrapings. Scabies is usually treated with
one of several prescription mite-killing creams or lotions and medication
to relieve the itching is often necessary as well. Some doctors treat
all household members, even those without symptoms, to prevent the likelihood
of spread. Scabies can be transmitted until all the mites and eggs are
destroyed by treatment.
What to do if your child has scabies:
- See your health care provider to get medicine to treat the scabies.
- Call the nurse at your child’s school and notify any close contact
that your child has been with since the rash began.
- Wash all items that your child has used or come in contact with (ex. clothes,
hats, jackets, sheets, comforters and pillowcases, towels, blankets etc.)
in the 72 hours prior to treatment in HOT water. Dry the items on
the hottest setting on the dryer.
- Put away things that you cannot wash (dry clean items, stuffed animals,
dolls, toys) it tightly closed plastic bags for 14 days. (send dry
clean items to cleaners after the 14 days).
- Thoroughly vacuum all carpets and upholstered furniture. Don’t forget
your car! It is very important to vacuum any surface that your child
comes in contact with.
- Do not use pesticide sprays; they can be harmful to people and animals.
When can your child return to school?
Your child may return to school no sooner than 24 hours after the treatment
was given.