November 2012 - SCABIES

What is scabies? Scabies is a common skin infection caused by the human itch mite. The female mite burrows under the skin to lay her eggs which hatch and starts the infestation cycle. An infected person typically has only 10-12 mites on the body. The most common symptoms of scabies are intense itching and a pimple-like skin rash. The scabies mite usually is spread by direct, prolonged, skin-to-skin contact with a person who has scabies. If a person has never had scabies, symptoms make take as long as 4-6 weeks to begin. The scabies can be spread during this time, even if he/she does not have the symptoms yet.

Most common signs and symptoms of scabies are intense itching, especially at night and a pimple like rash appears. The rash can include tiny blisters and scales. Scratching the rash can cause skin sores and sometimes become infected. Tiny burrows may appear as raised and crooked grayish-white lines or skin colored on skin.

Scabies is usually spread by direct, prolonged, skin to skin contact. By sharing articles such as clothing, towels, or bedding or indirect contact when infested person has crusted scabies, one may be exposed. Diagnosis is made based on appearance and skin scraping to examine under a microscope for mites, eggs, or mite fecal matter . On a person, scabies mites can live for as long as 1-2 months.

The treatment for scabies is physician prescription. Over the counter products have not been tested or approved for humans. The lotion is applied all over the body, neck down to feet and toes. Leave on as directed. Retreatment is necessary if itching continues more than 2-4 weeks after. Again the cleaning and vacuuming of home, cars, and laundry are similar to head lice cleaning. Wash and rinse and dry on hot cycle all washable items for 20 minutes every day. Store all non-washable items in tightly closed plastic bags for 1-2 weeks. Thoroughly vacuum all carpets, upholstered furniture and cars daily. Do NOT use pesticide sprays in your home or car as they are harmful to others and pets.

Watch for the rash for next 2-6 weeks. Do NOT SEND your child to school with a rash. Seek medical confirmation to diagnose scabies and obtain medication prescription. Once the treatment has been given, your child may return to school. She/he may still continue to itch for up to 2-4 weeks. Please notify me if your child has been diagnosed and treated.

Screenings: Vision screenings were done by Lions Club members' week of October 22-25 th in grades 1-5 and 7th.

Head lice screenings in grades 1-8 were done on 10/26/12. No LIVE LICE found that day.

Happy Thanksgiving!