I am an elementary school teacher. Recently, one of my students went home with scabies, after I noticed what looked like bites all over her arms. I know it is very contagious, but can I get it from touching her papers, books, desk, etc.?
2006-09-27 10:11:18 · 8 answers · asked by fresh8 1 in Education & Reference ➔ Primary & Secondary Education
I believe you can get scabies only from direct contact. They don't jump, or live on papers, desks, etc. But you could get it from touching their arm, hands feet, etc. Scabies, lice and crabs are basically the same insect but live in different parts of the body, i.e, skin, hair, or pubic region. Scabies manifest mostly on feet or ankles, wrists, lower belly, but can spread to all regions of the body. They only look like bites after they've been scratched. Look for a cluster or row of small bumps that itch. I would'nt take chances, if one student has it, more probably do too, and it wouldn't hurt to get checked.
2006-09-27 10:17:48 · answer #1 · answered by orphanannie 3 · 0⤊ 0⤋
I don't think you will catch it from handling her books/papers. I know you can get it from direct contact with her skin or being in close proximity. You can also catch it from handling her clothing, towels or linen. It is most likely that the other students may have been exposed/infected. It takes about a week for the mites to lay eggs which is when the itching begins. If you start to experience intense itching with a rash that starts off as little/tiny fluid-filled bubbles and it forms a sort of trail (as the eggs hatch and travel) then I would seek medical attention. The itching is worse after bathing and at night (even benadryl/hydracortisone creams don't help some times), mostly between the fingers, around the wrists, between toes, around the waistline, the elbows, axillae, and inner thighs.
2006-09-27 10:27:30 · answer #2 · answered by M&M 2 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Yes and no, scabies are highly contagious, but it is not likely you would get it from her papers or desktop. However if you had alot of 1 on 1 contact with her it would be very easy to get.
Scabies are mites (sort if like lice) only they burrow under the skin and lay eggs. The "bites" you noticed on her arms were most likely sores from scratching.
A simple lotion is all that is needed to treat this condition, and of course you must wash all of the linens and clothes.
2006-09-27 10:22:28 · answer #3 · answered by howdidiknowthat 2 · 1⤊ 0⤋
It is possible, but not to likely. If the child is sharing clothing or other personal items with other children it is possible.
Scabies was one thought of as an STD, because it is usually transmitted through prolonged skin-to-skin contact.
Below is a link, which is very through including treatment
2006-09-27 10:18:25 · answer #4 · answered by Anonymous · 1⤊ 0⤋
Not from paper and books. It takes skin to skin contact.
2006-09-27 10:13:28 · answer #5 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋
yes, but it's not likely. it's usually from closer contact, but the odd bug could get on her stuff and onto you. but i wouldn't worry about that, just don't touch her!
2006-09-27 10:13:13 · answer #6 · answered by advicemom 4 · 1⤊ 0⤋
yes my sister owned a store and she caught them off of handling money..
2006-09-27 10:14:03 · answer #7 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋
yes...scabbies is a bacteria and if you come in contact with it its possible to get infected.....Search WebMD.com for other results on scabbies
2006-09-27 10:14:01 · answer #8 · answered by kie kie 1 · 0⤊ 1⤋