Scabies

Scabies is highly contagious via direct skin-to-skin contact. It is most common in overcrowded living conditions and in developing countries.

Caused by Sarcoptes scabiei, a 0.3- to 0.5-mm mite that can burrow and deposit eggs in the human stratum corneum.

Microscopic visualisation of mites, their eggs, or faeces in skin scrapings is helpful but not essential to initiation of treatment.

Most popular treatment options include topical permethrin and oral ivermectin.

Primarily considered a nuisance in the developed world. Children in the developing world can contract secondary streptococcal infection in their skin lesions, with potential complications of rheumatic heart disease or post-streptococcal glomerulonephritis.

Scabies is caused by infestation with the ectoparasite Sarcoptes scabiei, a mite that burrows through the human stratum corneum. Spread is primarily via direct contact with an individual with scabies. Clinical clues to diagnosis include intense pruritus and linear erythematous burrows, particularly on the extremities, or erythematous papules and nodules elsewhere such as in the axilla or genital area. Rarely, it can present on the neck and scalp. Diagnosis is based on history and clinical appearance.[1]Chosidow O. Clinical practices. Scabies. N Engl J Med. 2006 Apr 20;354(16):1718-27. http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/16625010?tool=bestpractice.com