A. Indeed, your doctor tells the truth, this is not lice.
Scabies, caused by the organism Sarcoptes Scabiei is a skin infection found worldwide, across all age groups, and demographics. It is most commonly seen, however, in children and those in situations of poor hygiene. Scabies is easily transmitted by close personal contact, and therefore quite contagious to family and friends.
The classic symptom of scabies is itching, often worse at night and showing up 1 to 2 weeks after initial infection. Common sights of predominance include the web spaces between fingers, wrists, elbows, knees, underarm, belly-button and genitals (especially in boys). This itching is caused by the female mite as she burrows into the epidermis (skin) of the person and lays her eggs there.
Treatment of scabies is accomplished through the use of a cream applied to the entire body from the neck down and left on for 12 hours (i.e. put it on at night). Usually only one treatment is necessary (prescription necessary). Occasionally antibiotics may become necessary if secondary skin infection occurs. Treating your entire family is a wise decision. Tracing where it came from in the first place (daycare? neighbour?) will also help prevent recurrence.
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