Scabies in kids is a parasitic infection caused by the mite Sarcoptes scabei var hominis. The mite creates burrows in the human skin for reproduction. When affected by Sarcoptes, the skin turns hypersensitive, and the body’s immune response gives rise to uncomfortable, itchy rashes and blisters on the skin (1). Scabies spread quickly in public places, making children more susceptible to it. Thus, even if one child catches scabies in the neighborhood or school, it puts the other children and their families at the risk of contracting it. Read on to know about causes, risk factors, symptoms, complications, treatment for scabies in children, and the preventative measures to avoid the spread of infection.
Is Scabies Contagious?
Yes, scabies is a highly contagious disease that spreads through skin-to-skin contact. Thus, children who come into contact with a child who has the infestation at schools or child care centers are at a high risk of getting the infestation (2). A child could also get scabies by sharing clothes, utensils, bed linens, or even toys with another child who has the infestation. The mites could survive on non-living items for two to three days. Thus, even one person with scabies can cause a scabies outbreak in an area (3).
What Are The Causes And Risk Factors For Scabies?
Scabies is a skin infestation caused by the Sarcoptes scabiei var hominis. The scabies mites bury themselves under the skin to lay eggs. This scabies infestation triggers the body’s immune system and causes itches and bumps on the skin (4) (5). All children are at risk for scabies as they tend to be in group settings. Poor hygiene and overcrowded living conditions also pose a risk for scabies. Children with compromised immunity may show a severe reaction towards it (3) (5) (6).
What Are The Symptoms Of Scabies?
Itchy rashes, pimples, and blisters are the common symptoms of scabies. The symptoms of scabies may appear four to six weeks after the child comes into contact with an infected person. The common itchy and affected regions for scabies in children include the following (2).
Between the fingers Armpits Wrists Image: Shutterstock Abdomen; primarily near the belt-line and belly button Thighs Chest area Groin area Hands Buttocks Back of the knees Private parts
The itching sensation may increase at night or after a hot water bath. In some rare cases, crusted scabies, which are characterized by widespread scale and crust, may be seen in children with a weak immune system. Children with crusted scabies require immediate medical care (1).
What Are The Complications Of Scabies?
The intense itch caused by the scabies rash could lead to severe skin sores. Also, untreated scabies may attract several bacteria, particularly Staphylococcus aureus. This can lead to skin infections such as sepsis of the skin. In addition, if left unchecked, scabies could cause post-streptococcal glomerulonephritis and rheumatic heart disease (1) (7).
How Is Scabies Diagnosed?
The diagnosis for scabies involves a physical examination followed by a microscopic analysis of the skin. Your child’s healthcare provider may scrape the skin a little (it is a painless procedure) to screen them under a microscope and determine the presence of mites and their eggs (2).
What Is The Treatment For Scabies?
Effective treatment for scabies primarily focuses on killing the parasite while simultaneously healing the skin. A Scabicide cream, primarily Permethrin (5%), is usually prescribed for scabies in children older than two months of age. Other common medications administered for scabies include crotamiton cream (10%), benzyl benzoate lotion (25%), sulfur ointment (5-10%), and lindane lotion (1%). The healthcare provider may also prescribe antibiotics and antihistamines to fight bacterial infection and help the child manage the itch (8) (9) (10).
Can Scabies Be Prevented?
Scabies is a highly contagious parasitic infestation. So, preventing it altogether may not be possible. Nevertheless, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention suggests the following measures to reduce the spread of scabies among children (11).
Avoid skin-to-skin contact with an infected person.
Machine-wash all the clothes and bed linens used three days before the diagnosis of scabies. Ensure that these items are hot-water washed separately and dry-cleaned.
Seal non-washable items such as soft toys in a plastic bag and leave them for three days to starve the mites.
Do not send children with scabies to school for about a week.
