CHILD’S HEALTH/SKIN DISORDERS: SCABIES CAUSE
This is an itchy and highly contagious skin rash that is caused by a tiny insect, or mite, called Sarcoptes scabei. It is relatively common.
Cause
Female scabies mites burrow under the surface layer of the skin, forming small tunnels in which they lay their eggs. The mites can only live for 2-3 days outside the human body, so infection is usually through direct skin contact. Scabies is not a result of poor hygiene. It often occurs in outbreaks in kindergartens or schools.
It may take up to a month after infection for the rash to appear, as it takes this long for the eggs to mature. Typically red lumps and threadlike ‘tracks’ appear on the skin, especially between fingers and toes, on the insides of wrists, on the backs of elbows, in the armpits, the groin region, and on the buttocks. The itch is intense, and is worse at night or after a hot bath or shower. Scratching can often lead to secondary infection.
Investigation
These are usually unnecessary, but skin scrapings may be done to confirm the diagnosis.
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