switzerland county school corporation

Switzerland County School Corporation
Date: 5/18/12
Dear Parents/Guardians:
We want to take this opportunity to make everyone aware that there have been a
couple students that say they may have scabies and are seeking medical care from a
physician. At this time, we do not have written documentation stating that this is the
case. However, due to it being so close to the end of the year, we would like to provide
everyone with a scabies fact sheet. Information provided in this letter is provided to us
by the CDC. (Centers for Disease Control and Prevention).
What is scabies?
Scabies is an infestation of the skin with the microscopic mite Sarcoptes scabei.
What are the signs and symptoms of scabies infestations?
*Pimple-like irritations, burrows or rash of the skin, especially the webbing between the
fingers; the skin folds on the wrist, elbow, or knee; the private areas, or shoulder blades.
*Intense itching, especially at night and over most of the body.
*Sores on the body caused by scratching. These sores can sometimes become infected
with bacteria.
How do you get scabies?
By direct, prolonged, skin-to-skin contact with a person already infested with scabies.
Contact generally must be prolonged (a quick handshake or hug will usually not spread
infestation). Infestation may also occur by sharing clothing, towels, and bedding.
How soon after infestation will symptoms begin?
For a person who has never been infested with scabies, symptoms may take 4-6 weeks to
begin. For a person who has had scabies before, symptoms appear within several days.
How is scabies diagnosed?
Diagnosis is most commonly made by looking at the burrows or rash. A skin scraping
may be taken to look for mites, eggs, or mite fecal matter to confirm the diagnosis.
Can scabies be treated?
Yes. Several creams or lotions that are available by prescription are FDA-approved to
treat scabies. Always follow the directions provided by your physician or the directions
on the package label or insert. All clothes, bedding, and towels used by the infested
person during the 3 days before treatment should be washed in hot water and dried in a
hot dryer. A second treatment of the body with the same cream or lotion may be
necessary. Pregnant women and children are often treated with milder scabies
medications such as 5% permethrin cream.
Who should be treated for scabies?
Anyone who is diagnosed with scabies and persons who have close, prolonged contact to
the infested person should also be treated. If your health care provider has instructed
family members to be treated, everyone should receive treatment at the same time to
prevent reinfestation.
How soon after treatment will one feel better?
Itching may continue for 2-3 weeks, and does not mean that you are still infested. Your
health care provider may prescribe additional medication to relieve itching if it is severe.
***This fact sheet is for information only and is not meant to be used for self-diagnosis
or a substitute for consultation with a health care provider. If you have any questions
about the disease described above or think that you may have a parasitic infection,
consult a health care provider.
For further information view the following websiteontact the
Switzerland County Health Department at 812-427-3220 or your physician’s office.
Respectfully,
Kathy Cole R.N.

Source: http://www.switzerland.k12.in.us/pdf/scabies.pdf