Scabies

• Intense itching, especially at night
• Tiny red bumps or blisters (often in lines)
• Thin, irregular burrow tracks on the skin
• Sores from scratching
• Rash, often between fingers, wrist, elbows, armpits, or groin
• Irritability or difficulty sleeping due to itching

Scabies is caused by an infestation of the human itch mite, Sarcoptes scabiei var. hominis, which is a parasite.

Scabies affects approximately 1 million Americans annually, with children being among the most commonly affected groups. Outbreaks can occur in childcare facilities, schools, and nursing homes. The condition spreads through prolonged skin-to-skin contact and is highly treatable.

Scabies is treated with prescription creams or lotions applied to the entire body, usually from the neck down, and left on for several hours before washing off. All household members and close contacts should be treated at the same time, even if they don't have symptoms, to prevent re-infestation.

To prevent spread, avoid direct skin-to-skin contact with an infected person. Wash all clothing, bedding, and towels used by the infected person in hot water and dry them on a hot cycle. Items that cannot be washed can be sealed in a plastic bag for at least 72 hours to starve the mites.

Track Scabies and other illnesses at your child's school in real time.