Scabies on Babies (Scabies Rash)

Scabies Rash

If your baby gets scabies rash, he'll develop an extremely itchy rash of scattered red bumps, usually between the fingers, around the wrists, and on the outside of the elbows, armpits, lower abdomen and genitals. It may also show up on the kneecaps and the sides of the feet. Older children and adults don't tend to get the rash on their palms, soles, scalp or face, but your baby might.

The only way to avoid scabies rash is to avoid contact with anyone who might have it. That can be tricky, especially if your baby is around other children and has several carers. If your baby has scabies rash, you can help prevent a re-infestation by making sure all family members and others in close contact with him are treated at the same time that he is.

Scabies on babies

Don't forget to put the cream between your child's toes and fingers, under his arms, in his navel and on his genitals. If you see the telltale rash on your baby's scalp or face, apply the cream along his hairline, as well as on his forehead, scalp and temples. Follow the directions for leaving the cream on the skin (it may be for eight to 12 hours), and then wash it off. 

Because babies tend to put their hands in their mouth a lot when they're awake, it's best to put the cream on at bedtime and wash it off first thing in the morning. If your baby sucks on his hands or fingers while he sleeps, cover his hands overnight with mittens or socks to keep the medicine out of his mouth. 

Because it takes some time for the irritants in the skin to go away, the itching can continue for as long as three weeks after the mites have gone. If it's troubling your baby, your doctor may prescribe an oral antihistamine or a cortisone cream for relief. In the meantime, keep your baby's fingernails short to prevent him from tearing the skin and introducing an infection. 

Though there's little evidence that scabies rash can spread through linens and bed sheets, for peace of mind you'll want to vacuum the floors (throwing the vacuum bag in the rubbish), and then wash all clothing, towels, and bedding in water hotter than 50 degrees Celsius/122 degrees Fahrenheit and dry it in a dryer. 

Seal any stuffed animals or toys that can't be washed in a plastic bag for a week. Scabies mites can't survive for more than several days without a human host.

Scabies Rash

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