Parents are being warned to spot the signs of a nasty Victorian disease in children and babies.
Scabies is a skin condition is caused by an infestation of tiny mites - and while it's not terribly serious, it can be debilitating and extremely uncomfortable for children
Public health officials are urging people to be vigilant in looking out for symptoms of the infection as cases of the bug rise in Britain.
Director for Public Health for Norfolk, Stuart Lines, said that by taking action early, it can prevent it becoming a more widespread issue.
He said: "Here in Norfolk we’re fortunate to have a very low incidence of scabies.
"We have seen cases of scabies reported elsewhere in the country and because we know that the sooner a case is treated, the sooner it clears up, we advise everyone to be vigilant, particularly children and young people in educational settings.
"This way we can ensure that any cases that do emerge in Norfolk are identified quickly and contained early."
What is it?
Scabies is an irritating, itchy rash caused by a tiny mite that burrows down under the skin to lay eggs. It nearly always occurs on the hands, particularly between the fingers.
Scabies is visible as a fine, grey line where the mite has burrowed under the skin, ending in a black dot – the mite. Scabies may also affect the area around the genitals.
When the eggs hatch, they are easily passed on to another person by direct contact. They can also be picked up from bedding or linen that’s infested with mites.
What are the symptoms?
Intense itching and noticeable burrows on the back of the hands and the side of the fingers.
They end in a black spot the size of a pinhead.
Scabies isn’t serious but it’s very contagious and can run through a family if not treated promptly.
See your doctor as soon as possible if you suspect scabies or if you’re scratching a lot.
How is it treated?
Your doctor will prescribe an anti-parasitic lotion for the whole family.
All the skin must be treated for the lotion to be effective.
Self-help
- Try not to scratch affected areas.
- After thorough washing, paint the whole body below the neck with the lotion and leave to dry. Don’t wash it off for 24 hours. Repeat the procedure in a day or two.
- Treat other members of your family simultaneously.
- Wash all bedding and clothing to get rid of the mite.