Scabies

CAUSE:

A mite (Sarcoptes scabiei)

SIGNS AND SYMPTOMS:

Numerous red bumps, hives or crusty sores may appear. Most common sites on the body are finger webs, wrists, elbows, breasts, armpits, waistline, thighs and genitalia. The palms, soles and face are almost never involved. Itching is most intense at night and usually occurs from an allergic reaction to the parasite that begins 4 weeks after infection occurs. The rash becomes widespread and severe until it is treated.

INCUBATION PERIOD:

Time of contact until development of signs and symptoms. In persons without previous exposure, itching begins two to six weeks after exposure. Persons previously infected may develop symptoms 1-4 days after re-exposure.

MODE OF TRANSMISSION:

Transfer of mite by direct skin to skin contact, usually via the hand.

PREVENTIVE MEASURES:

Education in good hand washing, following guidelines for prevention and control of communicable diseases.

PERIOD OF COMMUNICABILITY:

Communicable until mites and eggs have been destroyed usually after 1 to 2 treatments.

IMPLICATIONS FOR SCHOOL:

Exclude from school. Student needs healthcare provider’s note to return to school stating he/she is no longer contagious.