THREE pupils at an East Lancashire academy have been struck down by a scabies outbreak.

The friends have been kept away from Darwen Aldridge Community Academy for a week while being treated for the skin infection.

Officials at the academy in Redearth Road have informed Blackburn with Darwen Council and the Health Protection Agency (HPA) about the outbreak, but say 'symptoms of this nature should not cause undue alarm'.

The HPA confirmed the outbreak was scabies, and have sent advice leaflets out to parents.

An Aldridge Foundation spokesman said: “We were made aware that three children contracted skin irritations over the weekend of September 25 and 26 and under the care of their parents have since sought medical advice and treatment.

“As a precaution, they are currently absent from the academy.

“We have taken advice from the appropriate authorities and have been advised that isolated cases where there are symptoms of this nature should not cause undue alarm.”

A spokeswoman for the HPA said there was no concern that it may spread further.

He said: "Leaflets will be sent out as a precautionary measure.”

Sudell councillor Roy Davies, who has a son at the academy, said: “Our children’s health comes first and foremost and as parents, we should be informed what exactly is going on.

“We need to know what they’re doing about it and what we as parents can do to help.

“If the whole school needs cleaning then they should do it.”

Lancashire Telegraph medical expert Dr Tom Smith said scabies infections were 'very common'.

He said: “Scabies is spread by skin-to-skin contact and is very common in schools and nurseries.

“A mite burrows under the top layer of skin and lays eggs, which is very, very irritating.

“It usually starts off as red spots on the hands and works its way up the arms.

“The good news is that it is very easily controlled. Usually lotion is applied and left on overnight. Sometimes two applications are needed and it takes a week to clear.”