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Scabies Information

We have learned of a case of scabies in our school community. Steps have been taken to clean and disinfect as recommended by our local health department. The health and safety of our school community remains our priority.  Please take a moment to read this fact sheet and contact your healthcare provider or school nurse if you have any additional questions.

 

What is scabies?

  • Scabies is a fairly common condition of the skin caused by the human itch mite. The mite that causes scabies burrows into the skin making a pimple-like rash and causes severe itching.

Who gets scabies?

  • Scabies can affect anyone regardless of age, sex, race, socioeconomic status or standards of personal hygiene.

How is scabies spread?

  • Mites that cause scabies are spread by prolonged direct skin-to-skin contact.
  • Scabies does not usually spread through a brief touch with someone that has scabies, such as a handshake or hug.
  • Except in severe cases, inanimate objects such as clothing, bedding or furniture do not spread the mites that cause scabies.
  • Off a person, scabies mites usually do not survive more than 2-3 days. 

What are the symptoms of scabies?

  • Intense itching, especially at night.
  • A rash or skin irritation that looks like red raised bumps, blisters, pimples or brown nodules (lump). 
    • Mites burrow on the skin with a zigzag or “S” pattern.
  • The areas of the skin most commonly affected include: between the fingers, around the wrists, elbows and armpits, waist, thighs, genitalia, abdomen and lower buttocks.
  • In infants younger than two (2) the symptoms are likely to appear on the head, neck, hands and feet.

When and for how long is a person able to spread scabies?

  • A person is able to spread scabies until mites and eggs are destroyed.
  • Usually one treatment with an effective prescription anti-scabies medication kills all mites and eggs.
  • Persons with scabies should not attend school/daycare or go to work until the DAY AFTER treatment is started. Proof of treatment should be submitted upon return to school.

How is scabies diagnosed?

  • A healthcare provider can usually diagnose scabies by looking at the mite burrows or rash. Sometimes a skin scraping can be used to look for mites or their eggs under a microscope to confirm the diagnosis.

What is the treatment for scabies?

  • Medicated lotions/creams applied to the skin are used to kill the mite and eggs.  These lotions/creams are only available by prescription from a healthcare provider.
  • DO NOT use over-the-counter scabies treatments.
  • Preventive therapy is recommended for household members or those who have been in prolonged close contact.
  • Use of environmental pesticides should be avoided.
  • Bedding, towels and clothing worn or used anytime before treatment is started should be machine washed and dried using the hot water and hottest dryer cycle or be dry cleaned. 
  • Items that cannot be laundered or dry cleaned should be disinfected by storing in a close plastic bag for at least 3 days.

How can I get more information about scabies?

  • Contact your healthcare provider.
  • Call your local health department.
  • Visit the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention website: Scabies page.

Sources: Virginia Department of Health: Scabies Fact Sheet, Wisconsin Division of Public Health: Scabies Fact Sheet, California Department of Public Health: Scabies Fact Sheet, District of Columbia Department of Health, Scabies Fact Sheet, CDC: Scabies Fact Sheet