SCABIES

 Scabies should be brought to your attention as it can spread through a school unless all affected children are promptly treated.

What is scabies?

Scabies is an extremely itchy rash caused by the presence of a tiny mite. Scarcoptes Scabiei.This mite burrows under the skin to lay its eggs. The rash is caused by the. body's reaction to the mite and the scratching that occurs

How could my child get Scabies?

Anyone can get Scabies. The mite passes from person-to-person through skin contact

Children playing together are especially likely to pass it from one to the other. The mites can also survive for about three days off the body and thus transmission through infected bedding or clothes can occur. In this way scabies can quickly spread among family members.

How will I know if my child has scabies?

If your child develops an itchy rash bring the child to their Doctor .The Doctor may be able to tell just by looking at the rash If it is Scabies or may examine some skin scales under the microscope to make the diagnosis.

What should I do if my child has scabies?

A variety of special lotions and creams that kill the mites are available at the chemist. It is important to follow the instructions that come with the lotion carefully as there are a number of different preparations available.

As spread within households is common, it is a good idea to treat all the members of the family at the same time even if they have no symptoms.

All clothing and bedding, which has been used by the infected person in the 72 hours prior to treatment should be washed In the HOT cycle of the washing machine.

Items which cannot be readily washed (pillows, stuffed toys) should be stored in tightly closed plastic bags for four days before using again. Off the body, the mite cannot survive more than four days, thus items stored in this way will be free of mites when taken out for use.