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infestations

Pediatric Scabies

Teaser: 

Ou Jia (Emilie) Wang,1 Joseph M. Lam, MD, FRCPC,2

1 Faculty of Medicine, University of British Columbia, Vancouver, British Columbia, Canada.
2Department of Pediatrics, Department of Dermatology and Skin Sciences, University of British Columbia, Vancouver, British Columbia, Canada.

CLINICAL TOOLS

Abstract: Scabies, caused by the Sarcoptes scabiei var. hominis mite, is a common and highly contagious skin infestation that manifests with symptoms of intense itching and a generalized pruritic papular eruption. Crusted scabies, a severe form of the infestation, is more commonly seen in immunocompromised individuals. Scabies can affect individuals of all ages and is typically transmitted through close and prolonged skin-to-skin contact. Diagnosis relies heavily on clinical examination, with scabies preparation at multiple sites guided by dermoscopy. Management involves both treating the condition and preventing its spread to others, with the primary treatment being the application of topical scabicide medications to the entire body. Environmental decontamination measures are crucial in controlling the spread of scabies. Prompt diagnosis and treatment are essential to prevent complications and transmission to others.
Key Words: scabies, classic scabies, crusted scabies, infestations, pruritus, hypersensitivity reactions.

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Pre-test CME Quiz Post-test CME Quiz
A large range of prevalence exists with scabies and scabies is not reportable in Canada. It disproportionately affects individuals living in poverty and crowded conditions.
A definitive diagnosis of scabies can be made through visualization through microscopy of skin scrapings and tape samples or through dermoscopy.
Treatment of patients and close contacts and environmental measures must be taken to prevent further spread and infestation.
In scabies infestation, the female mite burrows under the skin and triggers a hypersensitivity reaction with symptoms of pruritus and inflammation.
Classic scabies is more common, while crusted scabies is rarer and more severe.
First-line treatment is topical 5% permethrin cream head to toe including the scalp in infants and young children and from the neck down in adults with retreatment in one week.
Environmental decontamination is important to preventing reinfestation.
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Related Terms: Dermatology, scabies, classic scabies, crusted scabies, infestations, pruritus, hypersensitivity reactions
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