Scabies
[Pediatr Child Health 2015;20:395-8]
- Scabies can affect the head/scalp of infants and young toddlers.
- Treatment of entire household recommended.
- Wash clothes and bedding. Use hot water (> 50°C) and dry on hot cycle. If item cannot be washed, store in plastic bags for 3-7 days. Vacuum mattresses.
- Lindane has been discontinued from the Canadian market (Feb 2012) as it is a persistent organic pollutant.
Usual Pathogens
Sarcoptes scabiei (subsp hominis)
Infants <3 months of age
| Empiric Therapy | Dose | Duration |
|---|---|---|
| Sulphur 5% in petroleum | Apply hs for 3 nights, wash off 24 hours after last application | 3 doses |
Infants and children >3 months of age
| Empiric Therapy | Dose | Duration |
|---|---|---|
| Permethrin 5% cream (Nix®) |
Infants Apply on head and body, wash off in 8-14 hours |
1 application |
|
Children Apply over entire body below the head, wash off in 8-14 hours |
1 application |
Alternative in children >15 kg
| Empiric Therapy | Dose | Duration |
|---|---|---|
| Ivermectin | 200µg/kg PO | 1 dose. Repeat in 2 weeks |