A notice for our community . . .

Health Alert – Scabies

There are currently many cases of scabies in communities across New Zealand. Scabies is a contagious skin condition caused by tiny mites. It usually appears as a very itchy rash with small red bumps or thin, wavy lines, often between the fingers, around the wrists, under the arms or around the waist. Itching is often worse at night.

Scabies will not go away without treatment. Please speak to a pharmacist or healthcare provider if you think your child may have it. Everyone living in the household should be treated at the same time, even if they do not have symptoms, and treatment usually needs to be repeated after seven days. Clothing, towels and bedding should also be washed as directed.

Children with scabies must stay home and can return to school 24 hours after their first treatment.

More information is available from Health New Zealand – Scabies.

https://www.healthnz.govt.nz/health-topics/conditions-treatments/skin/scabies