Scabies

Question 1

For scabies, state:

- What it is caused by and incubation

Answer 1

• Highly contagious parasitic disease of the skin caused by mite (Scaroptes Scabiei)

Incubation period:
2 -6 weeks

Question 2

For scabies, state:

- How it is spread

Answer 2

• Transmitted by personal contact (skin to skin)

* Can be transmitted from an infected person prior to symptoms developing

Question 3

For scabies, state:

- General signs and symptoms

Answer 3

• Intensely itchy
• May be difficult to see, exacerbated by scratching
• May resemble little red bumps, hives, tiny bites or pimples
• Always affects both sides of the body
• Itching is more intense during the night
• Visible as papules, vesicles or tiny linear burrows containing mites and their eggs

Question 4

For scabies, state:

- Prevention and treatment

Answer 4

• Avoid scratching skin to avoid spread to other areas
• Personal hygiene. Keep bed linen and clothes clean
• Avoid sharing personal items such as towels, bed linen and clothing items

Treatment:
• Keep child home until the day after treatment
• All members of household should be treated
• Elimination of mites with scabicides e.g.permethrin
• Topical treatments are best absorbed after a shower and gentle towel drying