A CARE home has suffered what is believed to be its fourth bout of scabies in less than a year.

There have been visiting restrictions in place at the Four Seasons in Breightmet Fold Road after one resident received treatment for scabies.

All relatives who visit people at the care home were also issued with scabies cream – but when relatives, staff members and residents were tested, all were confirmed clear.

The highly contagious skin condition is caused by an infestation of tiny mites, which burrow into the skin.

Earlier this year, the Four Seasons was deemed inadequate by the Care Quality Commission after the health watchdog’s inspectors highlighted a catalogue of failings.

A friend of a resident at the Four Seasons, who did not wish to be named, said: “Families have just had to be treated again for scabies – for the fourth time. Relatives were issued with scabies cream last week and the home has not been accepting visitors. It is a disgrace.”

Previous scabies outbreaks at the Four Seasons were reported by the Bolton News in April and in December.

The condition can be spread by sharing clothing, towels or bedding.

Because it has a long incubation period, it can take up to eight weeks for its symptoms to appear after initial infection.

The more crowded the living conditions the higher the prevalence of scabies, but it is not caused by poor hygiene or a dirty environment.

A spokesman for the Four Seasons care home said: “The health, safety and wellbeing of everyone we support are our top priorities.

“One resident received treatment for scabies some weeks ago. All residents, staff members and relatives were tested and were confirmed clear.

“As an extra precaution, we replaced all bedding with new linen and brought in a specialist to carry out an additional deep clean.”

A spokesman for the Royal Bolton Hospital NHS Foundation Trust confirmed infection control advice and support had been provided to the Four Seasons.

She said: “We can confirm we are giving infection control support on the prevention and management of scabies to the home as a precaution.”