Scabies (Pediatrics - PEDS)

Scabies is an infestation of the upper layer of the skin produced by a parasite. It is caused by a parasite called Sarcoptes scabiei. The transmission is usually among people living together and/or have intimate contact or through contact with sheets and/or mattresses infested by these parasites. The incubation time is 6-8 weeks. The most common symptoms are: intense skin itch, mainly at night, presence of a rash on the skin, which may involve the whole body, presence of small lines or greyish-white grooves of a few millimeters (scabby grooves) in between the fingers, toes, wrists and/or ankles and lesions and/or erosions on the skin from scratching due to intense itch. It does not usually involve fever or any other accompanying symptoms. The diagnosis is reached through medical history and physical examination. Usually, additional tests are not required. Scabies treatment entails eliminating the scabies from the skin and easing the itch of the infected patient. To achieve these goals, antiparasite creams and ointments are used for the parasite infection while topical antihistamine and/or corticosteroids are used to manage itchiness.