General Chat

Does anyone know how you catch this and how contagious it is? Daughter had been itching a lot and I thought it was an allergy, turns out she has scabies, never had a kid with it before, Caz xxxxxxxxx

Very contagious! Think it has to be passed on by direct contact. Sharon xx

It can be passed on by contact with infected people or even through the clothing and bedding the infected person has used Paul

SYMPTOMS The mite burrows into the skin, especially around the hands, feet, and male genitalia. It does not usually affect the neck and head, although it may in infants. The itching is due to an allergic reaction to the tiny mites, and is associated with a rash of red, raised spots. The itch is worse at night, and may often affect more than one family member. ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- CAUSES Scabies is caused by a mite (Sarcoptes scabiei) which burrows under the skin, but the rash and itch are much more widespread than the location of the mites. The mite may be passed easily by close contact and commonly starts at the wrist, presumably having been picked up through holding hands. ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- There are three main types of treatment in use for scabies in the UK. All are applied to the whole body except the head and neck, and the whole family should be treated at the same time. *The treatment of choice at the moment is Permethrin, in view of its relative safety, ease of application, and as it tends not to irritate the skin. This should be left on for at least eight hours. This may be used for the head and necks of children less than two years old. * Benzyl benzoate emulsion. This is washed off after twenty four hours, and repeated two or three times. In infants or young children it is wise to dilute in two or three times as much water, as this helps reduce skin irritation. * Malathion. This is washed off after twenty four hours. The treatment kills the mites, but their bodies are still in the skin and as it is this that we are allergic to, the itch persists until our own natural defence systems break down and get rid of what is left of the mites. This process takes about two weeks and therefore the itch continues for about two weeks after the treatment. Do not be disheartened, this is to be expected and does not mean that the treatment has failed. In the mean time you may find that an antihistamine tablet or medicine (either prescribed or bought over the counter) will reduce itching. hope that helps. XXX Sioux

Hi Caz, When my daughter was about 5 yrs old she got scabies. We had to apply a prescribed lotion from her neck downwards all over her body & I was told to boil her bedding, towels & underwear on a daily basis until it had cleared up to prevent spreading to other members of the family. It may be different now though as that was 22 years ago. I do know that it is highly infectious & not a very nice thing to have. Sympathy to you daughter Regards Katherine

Its so easy to catch even of pound notes....

caz sorry little un got this not nice never had any experience of it, but I hope she ok. catherine xx

Hi Caz, I caught it about 15 years ago. It coincided with me sleeping in bedding in a caravan for one night, on a camping site. My GP gave me some lotion, also for my then husband, and within a few days it had cleared up. The instructions must be adhered to strictly, though! x

Are you sure it's scabies Caz? My daughter was once told by our doctor that she had it, it turned out to be an allergy to soap powder!

hi, sorry to hear about this, your daughter must be iching like mad, scabies is highly infectious and so is ring worm that also makes you ich like mad, both are treated with antihistamine and either a cream or lotion, but ring worm can last up to 6 weeks. make sure the doc has diagnosed the right one... there is a mite wash for your cloths and bedding but you have to get it at a vets.. (it works) hope this is helpfull, karen

Thanks everyone, I'm not sure of docs diagnosis, I've never experienced it in 17 years of being a mum, Will follow your advice, argggggghhh if its not nits its bloody skin bugs!!!! Caz xxxxxxxxxx

its passed on easily in schools caz, they can be sat next ot each otehr, son had a rash when in juniors, it were a little circle on his arm, got cream for it, doc siad kids in school pass it on, sat next to each other on floor in assembly, its horrible thought tho isnt it