What it means
An infestation by the mite Sarcoptes scabiei, spread by close skin-to-skin contact and sometimes by shared bedding or clothes. The mites lay eggs in small burrows, causing intense itching that is worse at night and a rash, often between the fingers, on the wrists, waist and genitals. Crusted scabies, with thousands of mites, can happen in older or immunocompromised people and spreads very easily, so outbreaks occur in nursing homes.
For the nurse
Use contact precautions. Treatment is usually permethrin cream applied from the neck down and washed off after the time on the label; everyone in close contact is treated at the same time. Wash bedding and clothes in hot water and dry them on high heat, or seal them in a bag for several days. Itching can last weeks after treatment.
At a glance
| Spanish | sarna |
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Related terms
contamination
The presence of germs or harmful substances on something that should be clean or sterile.
isolation
Keeping a client apart from others to stop an infection spreading or to protect them from infection; also, being alone without social contact.
transmission
The passing of an infection from one person, animal or object to another.
pustule
A small raised bump on the skin filled with pus.