Copyright © 1998 by Cynthia Teeters. All rights reserved. 

Scabies are little mites that bury under a person's skin where it then becomes extremely itchy. Scabies are common worldwide and are also common in orphanage children. Scabies are also extremely infectious and adoptive parents and other members of a family may become infected if the child is not treated. It may take some time for the itching to disappear after treatment.

Most pediatricians or family physicians should be able to treat scabies with no trouble. If there is reason for concern that your child does have scabies at the time of the adoption, you may wish to ask your physician for a prescription for Elimite cream so that you may treat for scabies, if needed, immediately upon receiving custody of your child. You may also wish to bring something to control the itching. Moisturizing lotions and antihistamines may be necessary. Ask your physician or pediatrician.