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# Scabies Scabies is a contagious skin infection caused by a tiny mite called *Sarcoptes scabiei*. It is spread through direct skin-to-skin contact. ## Symptoms Symptoms of scabies typically appear 4-6 weeks after infestation. They may include: * Intense itching, especially at night * A rash t...

# Scabies Scabies is a contagious skin infection caused by a tiny mite called *Sarcoptes scabiei*. It is spread through direct skin-to-skin contact. ## Symptoms Symptoms of scabies typically appear 4-6 weeks after infestation. They may include: * Intense itching, especially at night * A rash that appears as small, red bumps, blisters, or lines * Sores on the skin from scratching ## Diagnosis A doctor will diagnose scabies by looking at the rash and examining a skin scraping under a microscope. ## Treatment Scabies is treated with medication that kills the mites. Common treatments include: * **Albendazole (Albenza®):** 400 mg once * **Mebendazole (Vermox®):** 100 mg twice daily for 3 days or 500 mg once * **Pyrantel pamoate (Pin-Rid®):** 11 mg/kg to maximum 1 g for 3 days ## HIV/AIDS HIV in young infants and children is almost always acquired perinatally, meaning the child was infected in the womb, during birth or breast feeding. HIV infection can almost always be prevented with proper antiretroviral medication during pregnancy and birth. ## Infant/Children Diagnosis and Indications Newborn babies may have false positive or false negative results on HIV antibody testing after birth due to the mother's antibodies crossing the placenta. To confirm a diagnosis, the following tests must be performed: * **HIV DNA polymerase chain reaction (PCR) assay:** Done at 1-2 months, 3-6 months and again at age 3 * **HIV RNA assay:** Done at 3 months and again at 18 months