[notme]

There seems to be a rash of scabies going around lately and it is something you should check out. Scabies is NOT a disease caused by uncleanliness.

Scabies causes small bumps a bit like a chicken pox bug and sometimes you can see small lines from the spot. Sometimes it is just a bump. Itching is intense and is usually more intense at night. It gets so bad, it can make sleep impossible. The areas that are most affected are warm spots on your body like armpits, elbows, knees, groin and waistband area. It can affect any place on your body though.

Scabies are microscopic and can't be seen without a microscope. A dermatologist can do a skin scrape and check for scabies, but usually the rash is telltale.

It is easily fixed with a cream that is put on your body for an 8 -14 hour period and then washed off. Clothes and linens need to be washed. Beds, carpets and couches should be vacuumed.

Please get checked out pooh. The people who are most susceptible are residents of dorms, nursing homes and school children. If this is the cause, don't feel like you have done something wrong. It is more common than most people know.