CHECK-UP:Scabies is spread from person to person through close personal contact, writes Marion Kerr.
MY SON developed an itchy rash which I thought was eczema, but when I brought him to my GP he diagnosed scabies. I keep my kids really clean so how could he have got this?
Scabies is a highly infectious skin infestation caused by the Sarcoptes Scabei mite. The tiny mite burrows just below the skin where the female lays her eggs. Once the eggs hatch they spread out over the skin, causing a red lumpy rash. Sometimes small wavy burrow lines can be seen or felt on the skin.
The rash tends to develop in the folds between the fingers, on the thighs and inside the wrists. It can also be found on the trunk, armpits and elbows. In women it can develop around the nipples, while in men it often occurs around the genitals.
The itch becomes worse with warmth and at night. The constant scratching can cause sores to develop. Scabies is spread from person to person through close personal contact (skin to skin), particularly in overcrowded environments.
Scabies symptoms can be easily confused with other conditions such as urticaria or eczema.
Although I have been using a lotion for about a week, he's still scratching. Does this mean it isn't working?
Itching, usually the main symptom of scabies, is caused by an allergic reaction to the faeces of the scabies mite and often only starts four to six weeks after infection. Treatment is with a topical chemical solution and as guidelines regarding application will vary from product to product it is important to read the instructions carefully.
Unfortunately, one of the features of scabies is that itching can persist even after successful treatment. Applying calamine lotion can help ease this.
Having said that, if it is still present 10 days after starting treatment a return visit to the doctor is in order.
The whole family had to be treated, so is there any need to inform the creche where I leave my son once or twice a week?
As it's strongly recommended that all close contacts be treated as well as the patient, it is imperative that the staff of the creche be informed.
By not doing so you run the risk of spreading the condition and of your child being reinfected.