Feature Article Facts, Fiction, and Figures of the Sarcoptes scabiei Infection

Today scabies, an ectoparasitic skin disease caused by themite Sarcoptes scabiei variety hominis, is estimated to infect over 300million humans worldwide. Scabies most frequently occurs among children and young adults. Outbreaks in child care facilities and schools are common. Scabies affects all socioeconomic classes and races. Students presenting with a possible outbreak of scabies in the school settingmust be referred by the school nurse to amedical provider for diagnosis and treatment because scabies is highly contagious and can be spread by skin contact. This article will provide school nurses with the history, etiology, mode of transmission, symptoms, and the recommended treatment of a S. scabiei infection. Implications for school nursing practice will be discussed