SCABIES CONT. 
Division of Public Health Services  Disease Handbook for Childcare Providers 
Bureau of Infectious Disease Control   REVISED –January 2018 
SCABIES 
 
Scabies is a common skin infestation caused by 
microscopic parasites called a mite.  The female 
mite burrows under the skin to lay her eggs, 
which subsequently hatch and start the infestation 
cycle again. 
 
Symptoms of scabies do not appear until  weeks 
after exposure.  The skin reaction is probably due, 
in part, to a sensitization or “allergic” reaction to 
the mites.  On re -exposure, symptoms can start 
within days.  The infestation is in the form of an 
intensely itchy rash, which consists of red bumps 
and burrows (i.e., short, wavy, thread -like lines in 
the skin). Itching tends to increase at night. 
 
Who gets this disease? 
Anyone who has contact with the mite can 
become infested with scabies. 
 
How is it spread? 
The mite is spread by direct skin -to-skin contact, 
or by skin contact with clothes, bedding, etc. that 
the mites have crawled onto.  The mites can 
survive only three days off the body and cannot 
jump or fly.  They require direct contact with skin 
to spread.  The incubation period for this dis ease 
is two to six weeks after exposure. 
 
How is it diagnosed and treated? 
It can be diagnosed by the typical appearance of 
the rash and accompanying symptoms and by 
examining skin scrapings under the microscope to 
see the mite or its’ eggs. 
 
Scabies is treated with one of several prescription 
mite-killing creams or lotions, which are applied 
once to the skin and then washed off after a 
specified period of time.  Medicine to relieve the 
itching is often necessary.  (Note:  Even after 
effective therapy, itching can persist for up to 2 to 
4 weeks).  Treatment is recommended for all 
household members – even those without 
symptoms – due to the high likelihood of spread 
within a household.  Prophylactic treatment is also 
recommended for people who have had direc t 
skin-to-skin contact with an infected individual. 
 
How can the spread of this disease be 
prevented? 
1. Follow previously outlined principles of 
hand washing and cleanliness at the 
childcare facility. 
2. Children should not share personal items, 
cribs, mats or clothing. 
3. Each child’s dirty clothing should be 
stored separately and sent home for 
laundering. 
4. If a case of scabies occurs in the daycare 
facility: 
a. Wash and dry on the hot cycle all 
washable items belonging to the 
center that came into contact with 
the child’s skin during the 72 hours 
prior to treatment. 
b. Difficult to wash items (e.g., 
stuffed toys, pillows) can be stored 
in tightly closed plastic bags for 
four days and then used again.  
(Note: The mite cannot live off the 
body for more than three days). 
c. Thoroughly vacuum any carpet or 
upholstered furniture. 


SCABIES CONT. 
Division of Public Health Services  Disease Handbook for Childcare Providers 
Bureau of Infectious Disease Control   REVISED –January 2018 
5. Pesticide sprays are not recommended and 
can be harmful to people and animals. 
6. If a rash, which appears suspicious for 
scabies, is noticed on a child in the 
childcare center, tell the parents the child 
should be seen by a healthcare provider. 
 
Who should be excluded? 
Infected individuals should be excluded until 
treatment is completed.  If two or more cases 
occur in the daycare center, call the Division of 
Public Health Services, Bureau of Infectious 
Disease Control for further recommendations. 
 
Reportable? 
No, scabies is not reportable by New Hampshire 
law to the Division of Public Health Services, 
Bureau of Infectious Disease Control .  However, 
Public Health Professionals are available for a 
consultation at (603) 271-4496.