Scabies (Pediatric):
A parent's guide to condition and treatment information

Though scabies is extremely contagious, it usually requires prolonged skin-to-skin contact with a person already infested. A quick handshake or hug will not normally spread the infection. However, scabies is easily spread to sexual partners and to other members of the household. Less commonly, it may be spread by sharing towels, clothing, or bedding.

Scabies requires prescription medication in order to stop the infestation. Once your child is under a doctor's care, there are steps you can take to prevent scabies from coming back:

• Mites cannot survive off the human body for more than 48–71 hours. Therefore, wash all clothing, bedding, and towels used by the infested person in the previous 72 hours in hot water and dry these items in a hot dryer.
• Vacuum all carpets, rugs, and upholstered furniture, and discard the vacuum bags.

See your child's doctor for evaluation if he or she develops an extremely itchy rash. If other members of the household or your child's close contacts have similar itchy rashes, make sure they are also evaluated by a physician.