Because preterm babies are born before they are physically ready to leave the womb, they often have health problems

Scabies is a very itchy, contagious skin infection caused by microscopic mites that burrow into the Pediatricians can often diagnose a scabies infection skin’s upper layers and cause a rash. It is an by examining the rash and asking relevant questions infection that occurs not only in children, but in (eg, the intensity of the rash’s itchiness). Because children tend to scratch the rash repeatedly, the scratch marks and crusting of the rash sometimes Scabies causes a rash that appears 2 to 4 weeks after the mites enter the skin. The rash is actually the Your pediatrician may decide to confirm the body’s reaction to the proteins, eggs, and excretions diagnosis of scabies by gently taking a scraping of the mites. It can be extremely itchy and become from the rash or a burrow and having it examined worse at night. Along with a rash, the burrowing under a microscope to identify the mite or its eggs. mites can form threadlike gray or white lines on the skin that resemble irregular pencil marks. In children younger than 2 years, the rash appears Children with a scabies rash should be cared for most commonly on the palms, soles of the feet, with one of several lotions or creams used for head, and neck. In older children, the rash is found treating this infection. Most often, pediatricians between the fingers or in the folds and creases of choose a permethrin 5% cream. It should be applied the wrist and elbows, as well as at the waistline, over the entire body from the neck to the toes. In infants and young children, it should also be placed on the head, scalp, and neck because the rash can The incubation period for scabies is usually 4 to 6 affect these parts of the body in this age group. weeks. If your child has had a previous scabies About 8 to 14 hours after applying permethrin, infection, symptoms can occur 1 to 4 days after Other lotions and creams can also be used, such as crotamiton 10%. Ask your pediatrician whether the If your child develops scabies, she will probably cream or lotion should be reapplied (often about a scratch the scabies rash, which will increase the likelihood of the skin developing a secondary Even after scabies has been treated effectively, the bacterial infection. To lower this risk, keep your itching associated with it can continue for several child’s fingernails trimmed during a scabies weeks and even months. This persistent itching does not mean that your child is still infested with scabies. To soothe the itching, ask your pediatrician about giving your child an oral antihistamine or If you notice that your child has an itchy rash, contact your pediatrician. The doctor will look at the rash, make the diagnosis, and recommend a The information contained in this publication should not be used as a substitute for the medical care and advice of your pediatrician. There may be variations in treatment that your pediatrician may recommend based on individual facts and circumstances. To learn more about the American Academy of Pediatrics, visit www.aap.org and www.healthychildren.org. Copyright 2012 American Academy of Pediatrics All rights reserved. PAGE 1 OF 2 Scabies (continued)
Prognosis
Despite the itchiness and discomfort of a scabies
infection, it is a mild and highly treatable condition.
You can send your child back to child care or
school after completing the treatment for scabies.
Prevention
A scabies infestation is easily spread from person to
person through close contact, particularly skin to
skin. If someone in your family has scabies, ask
your doctor whether others in the household such as
family members or live-in help should be tested or
treated for scabies.
Source: Adapted from Immunizations and Infectious Diseases:
An Informed Parents Guide (Copyright 2006 American
Academy of Pediatrics) and updated 2011
From your doctor
The information contained in this publication should not be used as a substitute for the medical care and advice of your pediatrician. There may be variations in treatment that your pediatrician may recommend based on individual facts and circumstances. To learn more about the American Academy of Pediatrics, visit www.aap.org and www.healthychildren.org. Copyright 2012 American Academy of Pediatrics All rights reserved.

Source: http://www.pomonapeds.com/linked/scabies.pdf