My 13-year-old son just returned home from Boarding school with rashes all over his body. The rashes itch him mostly at night. I want to know if this is scabies since the school is very meticulous with hygiene.
Iyabo (by SMS)
Yes, it does look like scabies. Scabies is an itchy skin rash caused by a tiny burrowing mite called Sarcoptes scabiei. Intense itching occurs in the area where the mite burrows. The need to scratch may be stronger at night. Scabies is contagious and can spread quickly through close person-to-person contact in a family, child care group, school class, nursing home or prison. Because scabies spreads so easily, healthcare providers often recommend treating the entire family or any close contacts.
Scabies is easily treated. Medicated skin creams or pills kill the mites that cause scabies and their eggs. But itching may not stop for many weeks after treatment.
READ ALSO: Tinubu, govs to attend APC Southwest Assembly