Scabies can be found not just in adults, but also in infants and children. Scabies is a skin infection caused by a small mite known as Sarcoptes scabiei. 

Scabies is transmitted to infants and children via direct skin-to-skin contact with the infected person, for example, when sharing a bed or giving a hug. Additionally, scabies can be transmitted via contaminated furniture, clothes, towels, and sheets.

Scabies symptoms in infants and children

The onset of scabies symptoms in youngsters typically occurs approximately one month following infection, at which point the rash becomes visible. Some of the symptoms experienced include:

• The presence of a linear skin eruption or nodules or vesicles containing purulent fluid. The welts and lumps in children with dark skin tones appear as shades of brown, purple, or gray. Conversely, in children with fair skin color, the scars and lumps appear red.
• Rashes frequently manifest on the palms and soles of infants. Additionally, it might manifest on the cheeks, neck, and scalp. Certain infants may encounter the phenomenon of the scalp becoming thicker or developing a layer of dried crust.
• Marks and lumps most often form in children and teenagers between the fingers and toes, on the buttocks, in the armpits, around the navel and groin, and on the wrists and elbows.
• Scabies itches, particularly at night or after a wash.
• Children and babies who scratch sensitive skin have a great chance of getting secondary infections, which make the skin more reddish and uncomfortable and form yellow crusts.
• Children may not develop a scabies rash for up to a month, after which scabies mites begin growing under the skin.

What are the treatment options for scabies in babies and children?

The treatment for scabies is essentially the same for babies, children, and adults; however, there are some variations in the application of the medicine and the management of symptoms. These distinctions include:

Treatment choices

The medications commonly prescribed for the treatment of scabies are generally the same, such as 5% permethrin cream or lotion. However, there are cases where the doctor might recommend an alternative product or dosage that needs modification based on the child's age and weight. Certain permethrin cream or lotion products are specifically designed for children, with formulations and concentrations that are suitable for their needs.

Treatment application

Before using cream or lotion on your child's skin, make sure it is clean and dry. Especially in areas like skin creases that are frequently infected, apply the cream abundantly. It is ideal for applying the cream or lotion at night since you should avoid washing it off for eight to twelve hours after administration.

Additional treatment

In addition to eradicating the mites, treatment of scabies in infants and toddlers may also cure secondary infections that result from scratching. In the event of a reinfection, antibiotics might be necessary for your child.

Symptoms management

How children and adults deal with itching signs can be a little different. For kids, the doctor may suggest antihistamines or lotions that are made just for them to help with the itching.

Besides the steps above, you might also need to wash all of your kids' clothes, sheets, towels, and toys in hot water. To get rid of mites and their eggs, you should also clean the surface of the mattress and carpet.

Consult a doctor before treating scabies-infected children. Avoid irresponsibly applying creams or lotions because the medicine dose may need to be adjusted.

If you have any inquiries about scabies in babies and children, you can either visit a dentist or make use of the consultation features that are available in the Ai Care application by downloading the Ai Care application from the App Store or Play Store.

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