Scabies Symptoms in Children

As a parent, there are few diseases that give me the heebie-jeebies like scabies. There have been a few times that I've gotten notifications from my child's school saying that there was a scabies outbreak, and, when it's happened, I've been diligent about keeping a close eye on my kiddo's skin to make sure she didn't bring those nasty little bugs home. Fortunately, scabies has stayed away from my house, but I'm still careful to figure out what's going on any time my daughter gets a rash. If you're concerned that your child might have scabies, here are the symptoms you need to watch for:

Itching 
This is the most obvious (and upsetting!) symptom of scabies in children. Scabies is caused by tiny bugs burrowing under the skin, which feel every bit as itchy as they sound. A child with scabies is likely to scratch frequently and complain about itchiness.

Burrow tracks

When scabies pests burrow under a child's skin, they leave little trails. These trails are caused by an allergic reaction to the bugs' poop. You might notice visible, pinkish or reddish lines that cover areas of your child's skin.

Where to look for burrow tracks

Symptoms of scabies in children are different from the typical symptoms of scabies seen in adults. In children, burrow tracks usually show up on the scalp, face, and neck, where you're likely to notice them quickly. Scabies symptoms on children also often appear on the palms of their hands and the soles of their feet.

If you catch scabies from your child…

You might notice different symptoms, since the condition presents differently in adults. Adults with scabies usually have burrow tracks and itchiness in the folds of their skin, including their knees, armpits, elbows, inner elbows, buttocks, and genitals. A rash that seems to be spreading from one member of your family to another is always a reason to call a doctor.

What else could these symptoms be?

Luckily, not every itchy rash in a child is a sign of scabies. There are many other conditions that can cause similar symptoms. Eczema is one common culprit, although allergic reactions (such as to poison ivy or a laundry detergent) might also be to blame.

When to call a doctor about scabies symptoms in children

Any time your child has an unexplained rash or itchiness, it's important to give a call to his pediatrician. Many viruses cause itchy rashes, and rashes can also be a sign of a chronic or serious condition that you need to be aware of. Since scabies is very contagious between children, it's important to get a diagnosis and effective treatment quickly so it doesn't spread through your family, school, or daycare.

Scabies is a gross and uncomfortable infection that no child should have to endure, so it's important as a parent to stay on top of any new or unusual symptoms that concern you, especially if you're aware of a scabies outbreak in your area. Prompt attention and care can minimize your child's discomfort and reduce the risk of him spreading the disease to his peers.