How Can I Treat Scabies on Children?
The most effective treatments for scabies in children involve prescription medications like permethrin cream or ivermectin, applied according to a doctor’s instructions and accompanied by thorough cleaning of the child’s environment to prevent re-infestation. Understanding the correct application and necessary precautions is crucial for successful eradication.
Understanding Scabies in Children
Scabies is a highly contagious skin infestation caused by the Sarcoptes scabiei mite. These microscopic creatures burrow into the upper layer of the skin, where they live and lay eggs. This burrowing triggers intense itching, especially at night, and a characteristic rash. Children are particularly vulnerable to scabies due to their close proximity to one another in schools and daycare settings.
Recognizing Scabies Symptoms
Early detection is vital for effective treatment. Common symptoms of scabies in children include:
- Intense itching, often worse at night.
- A pimple-like rash, often appearing as tiny bumps or blisters.
- Burrow tracks, thin, slightly raised, and often wavy lines on the skin.
- Common locations for the rash include: between fingers, on wrists, in armpits, around the waistline, on genitals, on the soles of the feet, and on the head and neck in infants and young children.
Treatment Options for Scabies
How can I treat scabies on children? Several effective treatments are available, but they typically require a prescription from a doctor. The most commonly prescribed treatments are:
- Permethrin 5% Cream: This topical cream is usually applied from the neck down to the toes and left on for 8-14 hours before being washed off. It’s often the first-line treatment for scabies in children and is generally safe and effective.
- Ivermectin: This oral medication is sometimes prescribed for children who are unable to tolerate topical treatments or who have crusted scabies (a severe form of the infestation). Ivermectin is not typically used as a first-line treatment in young children due to potential side effects and limited research in this age group.
- Other Topical Treatments: In some cases, doctors may prescribe other topical treatments like sulfur ointment, but these are less common due to their odor and potential for skin irritation.
The Treatment Process: A Step-by-Step Guide
Effective treatment involves not only applying the medication but also taking steps to prevent re-infestation. Here’s a step-by-step guide:
- Consult a doctor: Obtain a diagnosis and a prescription for the appropriate medication.
- Apply the medication as directed: Follow the doctor’s instructions carefully, ensuring the medication is applied to all affected areas and for the correct duration.
- Treat all household members and close contacts: Scabies is highly contagious, so everyone in close contact with the affected child should be treated, even if they don’t have symptoms.
- Wash all bedding, clothing, and towels: Wash all items used by the child and other household members in hot water and dry them on high heat to kill the mites. Items that cannot be washed can be dry-cleaned or sealed in a plastic bag for at least 72 hours.
- Vacuum thoroughly: Vacuum carpets, rugs, and furniture to remove any mites that may have fallen off the skin.
- Trim fingernails: Mites can live under fingernails, so keep them trimmed short to prevent re-infestation.
- Repeat treatment: Your doctor may recommend repeating the treatment in 1-2 weeks to ensure that all mites and eggs have been eradicated.
Common Mistakes to Avoid When Treating Scabies
- Not treating all close contacts: This is a major cause of re-infestation.
- Not following the doctor’s instructions carefully: Incorrect application or duration of treatment can lead to treatment failure.
- Not thoroughly cleaning the environment: Mites can survive for a short time off the body, so cleaning is essential.
- Stopping treatment too early: Even if the itching subsides, complete the full course of treatment as prescribed.
- Using over-the-counter treatments without consulting a doctor: These treatments are often ineffective and can even worsen the condition.
- Over-applying medication: Can lead to skin irritation, particularly with topical treatments.
Table: Comparing Common Scabies Treatments
| Treatment | Form | Application | Advantages | Disadvantages |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Permethrin 5% | Topical Cream | Neck down to toes, leave on for 8-14 hours, then wash off | Generally safe and effective | May cause mild skin irritation |
| Ivermectin | Oral | Single dose, may require repeat in 1-2 weeks | Convenient for those who can’t tolerate topical | Not recommended for very young children |
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Can my child go to school or daycare while being treated for scabies?
Generally, children can return to school or daycare 24 hours after the first application of scabicide. However, it’s always best to check with the school or daycare policy and your child’s doctor.
How long does it take for scabies treatment to work?
Itching may persist for 2-4 weeks even after successful treatment, as the skin reacts to the dead mites and their waste products. If itching is severe, your doctor may recommend antihistamines or topical corticosteroids to relieve the symptoms. If itching persists longer than 4 weeks, contact your doctor, as further treatment may be necessary.
Is it safe to use permethrin cream on infants?
Permethrin cream is generally considered safe for infants 2 months of age and older. Always consult with your pediatrician before using any medication on an infant.
How do I clean items that cannot be washed, like stuffed animals or pillows?
Items that cannot be washed can be sealed in a plastic bag for at least 72 hours. This will suffocate the mites. You can also dry clean these items.
Can scabies be spread through swimming pools or other public places?
While possible, it’s less common to contract scabies from swimming pools or other public places because the mites do not survive long away from human skin. Direct skin-to-skin contact is the primary mode of transmission.
What can I do to relieve my child’s itching?
Cool baths or compresses can help relieve itching. Your doctor may also recommend antihistamines or topical corticosteroids. Keep your child’s fingernails short to prevent scratching, which can lead to secondary infections.
Is scabies a sign of poor hygiene?
No, scabies can affect anyone, regardless of their hygiene habits. It is spread through close skin-to-skin contact.
Can scabies affect internal organs?
No, scabies is a skin infestation and does not affect internal organs.
How can I prevent scabies from spreading within my household?
Treat all household members and close contacts, wash all bedding and clothing in hot water, vacuum thoroughly, and avoid sharing personal items such as towels and clothing. Early detection and treatment are key to preventing the spread of scabies.
Are there any natural remedies for scabies?
While some natural remedies, such as tea tree oil, are often touted as treatments for scabies, there is limited scientific evidence to support their effectiveness. Prescription medications are the most reliable and effective treatment option. Consult your doctor before using any natural remedies.
What is crusted scabies, and how is it treated?
Crusted scabies (also known as Norwegian scabies) is a severe form of scabies characterized by thick crusts of skin containing large numbers of mites. It is highly contagious and often affects people with weakened immune systems. Treatment typically involves a combination of topical scabicides and oral ivermectin.
How can I tell if the scabies treatment has worked?
The most important indicator that treatment has been successful is the absence of new burrows and a gradual reduction in itching. Remember that itching can persist for several weeks after treatment due to allergic reactions to dead mites. If new burrows appear or itching continues unabated after four weeks, see your doctor again.