Crusted (Norwegian) scabies in a patient with dystrophic epidermolysis bullosa

A 13-year-old girl with severe non-mutilating recessive dystrophic epidermolysis bullosa (EB) was admitted to hospital because of a Staphyloccus aureussepsos, deterioration of her general condition and worsening of her skin disease, which itched severely. In addition to the blisters and erosions normally seen, she was covered from head to toe with scales and hyperkeratotic crusts. Despite intensive topical therapy, her skin condition did not improve significantly until scabies was detected and treated 1 week after admission. Because of the huge number of mites found and the crusted appearance, a diagnosis of crusted (Norwegian) scabies was made. She was successfully treated with two doses of ivermectin orally and one application of lindane ointment. Permethrin cream was not tolerated. In this patient crusted scabies may have developed because of: (i) a modified host response due to malnourishment; (ii) inability to scratch because of the absence of fingernails; and (iii) abnormal scratching behaviour because of the vulnerability of EB skin, or a combination of these factors. Limited isolation measures were taken on admission and full measures were taken immediately after the diagnosis of crusted scabies was made. Prophylactic treatment of ward personnel was not undertaken. Fortunately, there was not an outbreak of scabies in the hospital.