SCABIES IN CHILDREN
Signs and symptoms
The burrowing of the insects and the skin’s allergic reaction to their presence cause relentless itching. When the child scratches to relieve the itching, secondary infection can set in.
The diagnosis is based on the appearance and location on the skin of the small, red dots that mark the openings to the mites’ burrows. The diagnosis also is suggested by gray or black lines on the skin marking the insects’ tunnels. However, these signs on the skin can be obscured quickly by scratching.
Home care
Mites can be destroyed by applying a lindane ointment or lotion or an ointment or lotion containing benzene hexachloride or crotonyl-N-ethyl-o-toluide. Before you use these medications, discuss them with your doctor. The medication is applied to all skin surfaces except the head and the face. If your infant appears to have scabies on the face consult your doctor before applying any medication. Because scabies is so easily transmitted from person to person, all family members should receive treatment at the same time. Treatment can be repeated once or twice. Nonprescription antihistamines may be used for temporary relief of itching.
• If marks on the skin and itching continue after treatment, the infected person may have been re-infested, or may have a persistent allergic reaction or secondary infection. Do not keep treating the condition in the hope that it will clear up; see your doctor.
• Destroy mites on undergarments, bedding, and towels by laundering these items.
• Lindane ointment or lotion is poisonous; be sure to keep it out of the reach of children.
Medical treatment
Your doctor will prescribe oral antibiotics to treat a secondary infection and antihistamines to relieve an allergic reaction.
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