Monday, March 16, 2009

Information to Parents Regarding Scabies

The City of El Paso Department of Public Health is continuing to work with local school districts in getting important information to parents about preventive measures, symptoms and treatment available for scabies. Here is what you should know about scabies:

Scabies is present in the human population at all times. It is caused by a mite, an insect barely visible to the naked eye that burrows, or tunnels, under the outer layer of skin. Symptoms include; lesions and rashes accompanied by itching.

A person contracts scabies by direct contact with an infected individual, or by contact with contaminated clothing or bed items.

To prevent the spread of scabies in a household, all bedding, clothing and towels should be washed in hot water and all floor surfaces, furniture and bedding should be vacuumed.

Pesticides should not be used to try to control the spread of scabies.

If you or your family members have suspicious skin lesions with intense itching, or if family members have been in contact with a person known to have scabies, consult your physician. Scabies can be effectively treated by a cream prescribed by a physician. All household members should be treated at the same time as the infected person to avoid re-infestation.

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