Prevention and Control of Communicable Diseases
Scabies
Scabies is an infestation caused by tiny mites that burrow and lay eggs under the skin. If scabies has been reported in the child care or school setting, parents/guardians should check their child for a rash.
Cause
Sarcoptes scabiei, a mite.
Symptoms
Rash consisting of pink bumps or tiny blisters and intense itching, which may be more severe at night. Frequently only scratch marks can be seen. Common locations to see the rash are folds of skin between fingers, around wrists and elbows, and armpits. Other areas where rash may appear are knees, waist, thighs, genital area, abdomen, chest, breasts, and lower portion of buttocks. Infants and young children may be infested on head, neck, palms, and soles of feet.
Spread
By frequent or prolonged direct contact with the skin of a person with scabies (also during sexual contact) or by sharing bedding, towels, or underclothing of a person with scabies. Mites cannot survive off the human body for more than 3 days and cannot reproduce off the body.
Incubation
It takes 2 to 6 weeks from the time a person is exposed until symptoms appear.
Symptoms may appear in 1 to 4 days if the person has had scabies before.
Contagious Period
From the time a person acquires the mites (before rash appears) until 24 hours after treatment begins.
Exclusion
Child Care and School: Until 24 hours after treatment begins.
Diagnosis
Recommend parents/guardians call their healthcare provider if they suspect scabies in their household members. Skin scrapings should be examined to identify the mites.
Treatment
The healthcare provider will prescribe a medication, usually a cream or lotion.
There are several prescription scabicides. Directions must be followed carefully.
- Itching and rash may not go away immediately after treatment. It often takes 2 to 3 weeks for rash and itching to go away.
- It is recommended that household members are treated, particularly those with prolonged direct skin-to-skin contact. Other people to consider for treatment are the babysitter, boyfriend/girlfriend, and non-custodial parent.
Prevention/Control
- Wash bedding and towels used in the past 48 hours in hot water and dry in a hot dryer at the time of treatment. Items that cannot be laundered should be sealed in a bag for one week.
- Vacuum upholstered furniture and carpeting (if dealing with case(s) of Norwegian (encrusted) scabies). DO NOT use insecticide sprays.
For more information, call the Missouri Department of Health and Senior Services (MDHSS) Bureau of Communicable Disease Control and Prevention at 573-751-6113 or 800-392-0272 (24/7), or call your local health department.
Scabies Parent Fact Sheet
Your child may have been exposed to:
Scabies
Scabies is caused by tiny mites that live under the skin. Check your child for a rash.
If you think your child has Scabies:
- Tell your child care provider.
- Need to stay home?
- Child Care and School:
Yes, until 24 hours after treatment begins.
- Child Care and School:
Symptoms
Your child may itch the most at night. Look for a rash of pink bumps or tiny blisters. Sometimes, you can only see scratch marks. Common locations for the rash and itching are between fingers, around wrists and elbows, and armpits. Infants and young children may be infested on head, neck, palms, and bottoms of feet.
People without previous exposure may develop symptoms in 2 to 6 weeks. People who were previously infested are sensitized and may develop symptoms in 1 to 4 days.
Spread
- By having repeated direct contact with the skin of a person with scabies.
- By sharing bedding, towels, or clothing that was used by a person with scabies.
The mites cannot live off the human body for more than 3 days. They cannot reproduce off the body or on pets.
Contagious Period
From when a child gets the mites until 24 hours after treatment begins. A child is contagious before the rash.
Call your Healthcare Provider
- If anyone in your home has symptoms. Your doctor may do a test and/or give a medication, usually a cream or lotion.
- Even with treatment, it often takes 2 to 3 weeks for rash and itching to go away. Ask your doctor who in the household needs to be treated.
Prevention
- At time of treatment, wash items used in the past 48 hours in hot water and put them in a hot dryer. Examples of things to wash are underwear, pajamas, bedding, and towels. Items that cannot be washed should be sealed in a plastic bag for one week.
- Vacuum upholstered furniture and carpeting. DO NOT use insecticide sprays.
For more information, call the Missouri Department of Health and Senior Services (MDHSS) Bureau of Communicable Disease Control and Prevention at 573-751-6113 or 800-392-0272 (24/7), or call your local health department.