Scabies (Sarcoptic , Sarcoptic acariasis)

 The family and close contacts should be treated at What is it? the same time since one can have and not A common skin condition caused by a tiny called a yet have symptoms. This will prevent reinfestation. . They are unpleasant but do not cause disease.  Multiple courses of treatment may be required.

How is it spread? How is it prevented?  Usually prolonged skin-to-skin contact with an  Wash all bedding, towels, and clothes worn or used infected person such as sharing a bed or within a in the 3 days before start of treatment. Use the household. hottest water and drying cycle.  Occasionally acquired during sexual contact.  Store items that cannot be washed in an airtight  By contact with contaminated clothes, plastic bag for 1 week to kill the scabies. undergarments, bedding, towels or furniture.  Avoid sharing undergarments, clothing and towels.  It does not usually spread with short contact like  Do not bathe in the same water, clean bath/shower shaking hands or a hug. between family members.  can live off skin for up to 3 days.  If you have had skin-to-skin contact with someone infested with scabies consider treatment. Those What are the symptoms? with crusted scabies and their close contacts should  The mites dig deep into the skin and lay eggs. This be treated promptly. causes a with small, red, raised spots. It is very  Environmental disinfection is unnecessary, but itchy-usually worse at night. thorough vacuuming is recommended if someone  Rash is usually in skin folds such as between fingers with crusted scabies has used a space. and toes, in the groin area, or around the wrists or elbows, but can be anywhere on the body. Should I go to childcare, school or work?  In infants and young children the rash can look like Return after the first treatment applied. curvy, thread-like lines, tiny red bumps or scratch marks that appear on the scalp, face, neck, palms of For further information, please contact the the hands and soles of the feet. Communicable Disease Control Program staff at  Itching may persist for a few weeks after treatment. 705-474-1400 or 1-800-563-2808, ext 5229. This is not a sign of treatment failure or re- . References:  Secondary skin infections can occur from the American Academy of Pediatrics. (2017). Scabies. In: Aronson SS, & Shope scratching. TR, eds. Managing infectious diseases in child care and schools: A quick reference guide, 3rd ed. Elk Grove Village, IL: American Academy of Pediatrics, p. 151. When do symptoms start? American Academy of Pediatrics. (2015). Scabies. In: Kimberlin DW, Brady  4 - 6 weeks after being exposed to someone infected MT, Jackson MA, Long SS, eds. Red Book: 2015 Report of the Committee on with scabies for the first exposure. Infectious Diseases. 30th ed. Elk Grove Village, IL: American Academy of  If previously infested, symptoms may develop 1 - 4 Pediatrics; pp.702-704. days after exposure, but may be milder. Canadian Paediatric Society, Caring for Kids. (2015). Scabies. Retrieved from: http://www.caringforkids.cps.ca/handouts/scabies How long is it contagious? Scabies (sarcoptic itch, sarcoptic acariasis). (2015). In: Heymann DL, ed. Control of Communicable Diseases Manual, 20th ed. Washington, DC: Until mites and eggs are destroyed by treatment. American Public Health Association. Alpha press; pp.550-552. Fact Sheet for WI-CDC-011 – 2018-08-10 How is it treated?  See a health care provider for treatment with medicated creams or lotions, especially for children, pregnant women, and those with skin disorders.

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