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DISEASES AND INFECTIONS IN CHILDREN: SCABIES
Scabies is a common contagious disease in children. It is by no means a disease which afflicts only the under-privileged, the poor or the unclean. Scabies is caused by a human parasite, which spreads from person to person. As the parasite burrows into the skin, it hatches its eggs which produce an allergic reaction, causing intense itching. The scabies burrows can be found between the fingers and on the wrists and elbows of children.
Treating scabies
If scabies is diagnosed, the school your child attends should be notified so that other children can be checked and treated. It is important to treat all family members, apart from babies and nursing mothers, even if there is no evidence of scabies. As well, all bed linen, pyjamas, nighties and intimate clothing should be washed in very hot water which will destroy the parasite.
Individuals should be treated with one of the anti-scabies preparations, for at least two, but preferably three, consecutive nights. Preparations must be applied all over the body from the neck to the toes including the finger-webs and under the nails. There are a number of anti-scabies preparations available, including Lorexane, Quellada and Ascabiol, as well as the newer preparations which contain pyrethrin. All preparations must be applied cautiously, as they can be very irritating to the skin.
It is not necessary to spray or fumigate the whole house with insecticide as scabies does not survive for long periods away from the human body.
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GENERAL HEALTH
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