Scabies

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Curious to know what you all would do....

I have 1 confirmed case on one of my campuses. My DSHS transferred me over to a local Net Health department who stated there wasn't really anything to do except exclude for 24 hours after starting treatment. They did say, if we wanted to, we could approach it like lice and notify parents via letters home, but that there isn't any legislation on scabies.

SO. What would you do? I personally don't think sending letters home would be beneficial as I feel it would just cause more problems than it would help. But I'm also open to any suggestions :) Also, we don't have a specific scabies policy, so no guidance on that end. Just trying to see what you lovely peeps do.

P.S.

I'm in Texas.

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"I personally don't think sending letters home would be beneficial as I feel it would just cause more problems than it would help.'

I totally agree!

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Specializes in Pediatrics Retired.

I would not sent out notices.

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Specializes in Pediatrics Retired.

Of course you ARE talking about Texas scabies.

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I've dealt with scabies twice now in two years. The first one we had one staff and several students confirmed. I did send home a letter and explained that we would be proactive and send home any and all rashes/bumps/etc and require a doctor's clearance to return. Explained what to look for, etc. The second time we only had one case that was parent's word, but no doctor's confirmation. We didn't send home a letter for that, we just kept our eyes out for anything funky in that classroom.

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Specializes in NCSN.
I've dealt with scabies twice now in two years. The first one we had one staff and several students confirmed. I did send home a letter and explained that we would be proactive and send home any and all rashes/bumps/etc and require a doctor's clearance to return. Explained what to look for, etc. The second time we only had one case that was parent's word, but no doctor's confirmation. We didn't send home a letter for that, we just kept our eyes out for anything funky in that classroom.

I think this approach makes the most sense. If it's just one case, just keep an eye out, if it grows then maybe a letter or at least staff education in the rooms it affects.

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I like what ArryOtter said. If I can avoid the panic that sets in from a mass letter home, I do. I am not permitted to send letters anyway, those come from the superintendent.

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Specializes in Med/Surg/Infection Control/Geriatrics.
Curious to know what you all would do....

I have 1 confirmed case on one of my campuses. My DSHS transferred me over to a local Net Health department who stated there wasn't really anything to do except exclude for 24 hours after starting treatment. They did say, if we wanted to, we could approach it like lice and notify parents via letters home, but that there isn't any legislation on scabies.

SO. What would you do? I personally don't think sending letters home would be beneficial as I feel it would just cause more problems than it would help. But I'm also open to any suggestions :) Also, we don't have a specific scabies policy, so no guidance on that end. Just trying to see what you lovely peeps do.

P.S.

I'm in Texas.

For what it's worth, I had those in Basic Training. I bunked with 300 women but I got em from my sleeping bag (while in the field on bivouac.) The Army doc gave orders for me to shower 3 times a day with a special soap and to apply Kwell Cream (not sure I spelled it right) after showering.

No one picked up anything from me and I recovered quickly. Not sure if that helps. It was 1974.

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Specializes in School nursing.

I've seen 'em (usually on staff or a student with a much younger sibling as I deal with MS and HS students) and I have never sent a letter home. In fact, if area can be covered, I don't even exclude. I do call home, make recommendation for student to see the doctor to rule out any skin issues like scabies (since I can't diagnose, but I have been fairly accurate it my suspicions) and that student must keep area covered to continue attending school.

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Specializes in school nursing, ortho, trauma.

no note unless it seems like its "going around". The level of hysteria that letters sent home based off of one child isn't worth it.

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Specializes in Telemetry, Gastroenterology, School Nrs.

Letters= MASS HYSTERIA

I wouldn't send a letter for an isolated case. I don't send letters for head lice, either.

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Specializes in ICU/community health/school nursing.

Also in Texas... here's the DSHS fact sheet if you need it: Texas DSHS HIV/STD Program - Scabies Fact Sheet

I tend to agree with the previous posters - is the area able to be covered until treatment starts (and then covered for a little while longer)?

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