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Home My WebLink About2012 Jun - Notes Re: Bug Complaint; Public Health Fact Sheeti � � � � � /�� !�r.�t � �� 4 �� - ___ �1�� - _ �--��_ _ . _ _ _ _ _ � _ . _ _ _ �T _ �t,l �'��_ _ __�' _ -�Q��-__ _. __ _ ._�%�%r�r'iPsG _ II _ _ � . ��d �� _ __ _ _ _ ___ �!llrt' _�?_E? _ _— .��.� , s f �'¢" _. __ _ . _ __ _ �j�,rs �� '� ?�_ _ �?�-�.e� _ _ _ . _. _ / _ _ _ _ /5_ _ _ . /CG�i� � � ' ��l.rz'7"- O� _, sL'? _v�`�_ /�/o T ��p-t.�� / 7� _ _ _ __ __ . �� 2S ��f��S" �-?i /�z�-,� �__�� 2%�3u�_ _ _ �j-.4�j Z �� _ _ _ __ _ _. _ ._ _ _ _ _. . . _ _ . _ _�� _ � � � _ __ _ _ �J� _ _ !.c _ � c�/ �G f. _ _ __ _ _ _ __ __ _ __ _ _ _ �r � L,f �I G zc.w _ Lc/Ci S_ � _�S��2Q �. Li.2'Le-_ _ _ _ . , Si�-�i� �s�P.�� '"?� ��z�-- _ _ G�� _ _ _ � _ _ _ _ _ _ _ __ _ -- _ _ _ -�,5�--�� --�� _ � �� ___---Q� __ __ _ _ _. _ _ _ . _ _ ___ _--- _ ___-._ __ -____ _ PUBLIC HEALTH - � Scab�es FACT SHEET Massachusetts De a�tment of Public Heaith, 305 South Street, Jamaiea Plain MA 02130 What is scabies? Scabies is a common, itchy slan reaction caused by a parasitic mite (Sarcoptes scabier� that affects only humans.The mite is very small and can only be seen under a microscope.The female mites burrow under the skin to feed and lay eggs. These mites cannot jump or fly and in most cases can only survive for 3 days off af the body. An infested person typically has only 10-15 mites on their body. Scabies is found worldwide and afFects people of all races and social classes. What are the symptoms of scabies? ! Symptoms of scabies include an extremely itchy rash with red bumps and burrows that look like thin,wavy, gray or white lines. Common places on the body where the rash and burrows are seen are in the webbing ; between the fingers,around the wrists and elbows,the armpits and around the waistline, although scabies can be found on other areas of the body too. In infants and young children, the head, neck, palms of the hands and soles of the feet may also be affected. The rash is extremely itchy, especially at night. The itching may be caused by an aliergic reaction to the mites, their eggs and their waste. Although the mites themselves are not dangerous, scratching the rash may lead to secondary bacterial infections that can be dangerous. Symptoms may occur two to six weeks after coming in contact with the skin of an infested person or their personal items. A person who has previously had scabies may have symptoma within seveTal days of an ' exposure,because they aze already sensirized to the mites.Their symptoms may also be milder. How is scabies spread? Scabies is spread (transmitted) through direct, skin-to-skin contact with a person who is infested with the mites or through skin contact with the clothes or bedding of an infested person. Exposure is most comman in nursing homes, hospitals or daycare settings. Scabies ean alsu be spread in households and through sexual contact.Mites can burrow under the skin in several minutes. Transmission can occur unril all of the mites and eggs are destroyed by treatment. ; How is scabies diagnosed? A health caze provider should be seen if a seabies infestarion is suspected. He/she can diagnose scabies by looking at the burrows or rash.A skin scraping may be taken to look far the mites,their eggs or feces. How is scabies treated? A doctor can prescribe an appropriate skin lotion to treat scabies. There are several lotions available, and the lotion should be used as instructed.A second treatment may be prescribed 7-10 days after the first,depending ' on the type of lorion and the severity of the infestarion. The doctor may choose to treat all members of the household at the same rime to prevent spread and re-infestation. The rash and itching may not go away right after treatment,but this does not mean the treatment did not work. These symptoms may last for several weeks after treatment. A doctor may prescribe medicatiot� to help the itching. � I � ,� ! y All clothing (especially underwear and pajamas) bedding and towels that have come in contact with the infested person's skin in the 48 hours prior to treatment should be machine washed with detergent in hot water and dried in a dryer with heat. Any items that cannot be washed, like stuffed toys and pillows, should be placed in ti�htly closed plastic bags for 14 days before using again. This leads to the death of any mites in ; these objects.Carpets and upholstered furniture should be thoroughly vacuumed. I F I Check companions,household members and sexual partners for evidence of infestations. T'hose with skin-to- � skin contact should be treated to prevent scabies. How can scabies be prevented? Avoid skin-to-skin contact with anyone who has recently been diagnosed with scabies,and do not share their clothes,bedding or towels. Children who have been diagnosed with scabies should not return to school until treated. � E What is Norwegian scabies? i ; "Norwegian scabies" is the name given to a very bad case of scabies (caused by the same mite). It is an ' uncommon infestation that causes widespread, crusted wounds on the body. People with weakened immune systems, the elderly, and people who do not have itchiness from scabies are more likely to get Norwegian ' scabies. People with Norwegian scabies are more likely to transmit mites because of the large number of mites that they carry and the widespread contamination of bedding,clothing and other objects they contact. Where can i get more information about scabies? • Your doctor or nurse • The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention(CDC}website at: http•//www.cdc.gov/ncidod/dpd/parasites/scabies/factsht scabies.htm • Your local board of health(listed in the telephone directory under"government") • The Massachusetts Department of Public Health (MDPH) Division of Epidemiology and Immunization, (617) 983-6800, the Division of STD Prevention, (617) 983-6940, or the MDPH website: http://www.state.ma.us/dph/ � ' � � November 2006 j � I I I I i . All clothing (especially underwear and pajamas) bedding and towels that have come in contact with the infested person's skin in the 48 hours prior to treatment should be machine washed with detergent in hot water and dried in a dryer with heat. Any items that cannot be washed, like stuffed toys and pillows, should be placed in tightly closed plastic bags for 14 days before using again. This leads to the death of any mites in these objects. Carpets and upholstered furniture should be thoroughly vacuumed. Check companions, household members and sexual partners for evidence of infestations. Those with skin-to- skin contact should be treated to prevent scabies. How can scabies be prevented? Avoid skin-to-skin contact with anyone who has recently been diagnosed with scabies, and do not share their clothes,bedding or towels. Children who have been diagnosed with scabies should not return to school until treated. What is Norwegian scabies? "Norwegian scabies" is the name given to a very bad case of scabies (caused by the same mite). It is an uncommon infestation that causes widespread, crusted wounds on the body. People with weakened immune systems, the elderly, and people who do not have itchiness from scabies are more likely to get Norwegian scabies. People with Norwegian scabies are more likely to transmit mites because of the large number of mites that they carry and the widespread contamination of bedding,clothing and other objects they contact. Where can I get more information about scabies? • Your doctor or nurse • The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention(CDC)website at: http:Uwww.cdc.�ov/ncidod/dpd/parasites/scabies/factsht scabies.htm • Your local board of health(listed in the telephone directory under"government") • The Massachusetts Department of Public Health (MDPH) Division of Epidemiology and Immunization, (617) 983-6800, the Division of STD Prevention, (617) 983-6940, or the MDPH website: http://www.state.ma.us/dnh/ November 2006