Scabies Treatment for Children & Whānau

Scabies is a common and highly contagious skin condition that causes intense itching and a rash. It spreads easily through close physical contact, which means it can quickly affect multiple people in a household.

Your local pharmacy can provide assessment, advice, and treatment to help manage scabies effectively and prevent it spreading further.

Understanding scabies

What is scabies?

Scabies is caused by tiny mites that burrow into the skin, leading to an itchy rash. The itching is often worse at night and can be very uncomfortable.

It spreads through close skin-to-skin contact, and sometimes through shared bedding or clothing.

What are the symptoms?

Common signs of scabies include:

• Intense itching, especially at night
• A red or bumpy rash
• Small tracks or lines on the skin
• Irritated or scratched skin

The rash often appears between fingers, on wrists, elbows, or around the waist, but it can occur anywhere on the body.

Why is treatment important?

Scabies won’t go away on its own and requires treatment to:

• Kill the mites and stop the infestation
• Relieve itching and skin irritation
• Prevent spreading to others
• Avoid reinfestation within the household

Our pharmacy team can help confirm if scabies is likely and guide you through treatment.

How we can help

At Johnsonville Medical Centre Pharmacy Shop, our pharmacists can:

• Assess your symptoms and skin condition
• Recommend appropriate treatment options
• Provide funded treatment if eligible
• Explain how to apply treatment correctly
• Give advice on treating household members and preventing reinfestation
• Refer you to a doctor or urgent care if needed

Who can use this service

You may be eligible for funded scabies treatment through your pharmacy if:

• You have an approved health need, and
• You are eligible for publicly funded health services in New Zealand, and
• You are either:
  • Under 14 years old, or
  • A whānau member of a child under 14 years old who has the same approved health need

Close contacts of a confirmed case may also be advised to undergo treatment to prevent spread.

When to seek further advice

Most cases of scabies can be managed with pharmacy treatment, but you should seek further advice if:

• Symptoms are severe or worsening
• The rash looks unusual or infected
• Treatment has not worked as expected
• You’re unsure whether it is scabies

Our pharmacy team can reassess and guide you on the next steps.

What to expect

Visiting Johnsonville Medical Centre Pharmacy Shop is simple:

1. Speak with our pharmacist about your symptoms
2. We’ll carry out a brief assessment
3. If appropriate, we’ll provide treatment and explain how to use it
4. We’ll give guidance to help manage your household and prevent reinfestation

What does this service cost?

Many Extended Pharmacy Services are subsidised for eligible patients:

• If you have a Community Services Card (CSC), there may be a small charge of up to $5
• If you do not have a CSC, there may be a charge of up to $20

If you are not eligible for funding, you can still receive treatment - standard charges may apply.

Our team will always explain any costs upfront, so you can make an informed decision before proceeding.

Get help treating scabies today

If you or your whānau may have scabies, early treatment can help stop the itching and prevent it spreading.

Visit Johnsonville Medical Centre Pharmacy Shop to speak with our friendly pharmacy team. We’ll assess your symptoms, check your eligibility for funded treatment, and help you take the right steps to treat and manage the condition.