Scabies Out Break in Licking County Ohio

March 10, 7:22 PMOhio Healthy Living ExaminerLinda McCloud

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The Health Department in Licking County has been reported that there is a scabies outbreak. The outbreak started at their Oregon East Elementary School. It is estimated that 5 to 10 students have been affected.

Although scabies is not a serious matter, it can be quite irritating. Scabies is a very itchy type skin condition. It is caused by small mites that can burrow into the skin.

Scabies can affect anyone. It does not matter what age you are or what social background you live. It also does not matter how clean you keep yourself.

Scabies is a contagious condition that is caused by close contact. It can also be caused by sharing towels, clothes, etc.

Symptoms of scabies include:
• Intense itching
• Itching that becomes worse at night
• Skin sores

Scabies can be diagnosed by a physician from just a physical exam.

However, some doctors may also decide to take a sample of one’s skin, too.

Scabies will not go away on their own. The condition does require treatment. Treatment is easy as being prescribed a specialized lotion or gel. If the case is severe, medication may also be given in pill form. Once treatment begins, the itching may still continue for up to 4 weeks. The reason is that the body may need time to recover from the allergic reaction caused by the mites.

Licking County is located in the middle of Ohio, near Columbus.