What Are Scabies?
Posted on: Tuesday, 21 February 2006, 12:00 CST
By Alan
Q MY daughter is seven and I've been told she's got scabies. What are they?
A THEY' are small mites, barely visible to the naked eye, which burrow under the skin to live and lay their eggs.
This unwelcome passenger causes an allergic reaction, taking the form of a red rash, and itching.
Scabies is not associated with poor hygiene or being dirty. It is most common in children and young people.
The itching can be intense and upsetting for children and is often worse at night.
Scabies is found on and starts at the hands, and sometimes also around the wrists and elbows, armpits, and abdomen. Direct skin contact is how it gets transmitted, so it has an annoying habit of spreading through families or classes.
Treatment is with ointments which kill the adult bug. Unfortunately, the bodies stay under the skin and then have to be broken down, so the itching persists while this happens over two weeks following treatment.
This might give the impression that treatment hasn't worked, don't be fooled. If the itching is still a problem, ask your GP or chemist for treatments that can relieve it.
Q WE'VE heard that we won't be able to find a local NHS dentist for our children after April. Will we have to pay for everything?
A Thankfully, no! Fluoridation of tap water helped to give children healthy teeth, but sugary foods and drinks are threatening to undo that good: we still need a dental care system people feel they can trust.
The way that the NHS contracts with dentists is changing from April 1. But in Birmingham, most dentists are keen to stay within the NHS.
If your dentist is no longer willing to treat you as an NHS patient, visit NHS Direct (www.nhsdirect.nhs.uk) or phone 0845 4647.
As for paying, people on low incomes or benefits are still entitled to free treatment and the system is changing to try to make it simpler.
You will only pay one charge even if you need to visit a dentist more than once. The old 'rule' of fixed appointments every six months is being dropped .
Send your child health questions to Ask Alan, Features Desk, Birmingham Mail, PO Box 78, Weaman Street, Birmingham, B4 6AY
Alan Taman is Press & Communications Officer at Birmingham Children's Hospital. The hospital is always grateful for support. Contact their fundraising department on 0121 333 8502 to find out more.
Source: Evening Mail; Birmingham (UK)
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