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[Scabies in infants--problems in differential diagnosis]
S Kuralić1, F A Pasić, N Hadzigrahić
1Klinika za kozne i spolne bolesti, Univerzitetski klinicki centar, Tuzla.
Insights
Scabies in infants presents unique diagnostic challenges and can lead to prolonged illness and complications if untreated. Early recognition and family-wide treatment are crucial for effective management of this parasitic dermatosis.
Area of Science:
- Dermatology
- Parasitology
- Pediatrics
Context:
- Scabies, a parasitic dermatosis caused by Sarcoptes scabiei var. hominis, presents diagnostic difficulties, particularly in infants.
- Infantile scabies often exhibits a different clinical presentation than in adults, leading to misdiagnosis.
- Untreated or inadequately treated scabies can result in chronic courses and severe complications.
Purpose:
- To analyze the diagnostic challenges and complications of scabies in infants.
- To evaluate the treatment outcomes of infantile scabies.
- To highlight the importance of family-wide treatment for scabies.
Summary:
- A retrospective study of 64 infants with scabies complications treated between 1995-1997 in Tuzla hospital was conducted.
- In 55.3% of cases, scabies was unrecognized and patients were treated for other diagnoses like allergic dermatitis or pyoderma.
- Delayed diagnosis and treatment, coupled with incomplete family treatment, prolonged the disease course and led to complications.
Impact:
- Recognizing scabies in infants with skin changes is essential.
- Comprehensive diagnostic and treatment strategies, including all family members, shorten the disease course and prevent reinfestation.
- Improved awareness and diagnostic accuracy for infantile scabies can prevent severe complications.
Abstract:
Scabies is very often parasites dermatosis. Diagnostic problems are not rare considering the fact that the clinical picture of scabies in infant population is different compared to the adult population. The scabies that is untreated or non-adequately treated has a long course followed by complications. In hospital in Tuzla in a period 1995-1997 we have done retrospective study which included 64 infants with scabies followed with complications. Skin changes have appeared approximately 2-6 months before admission to the hospital. In 55.3% cases the scabies stayed unrecognized and the aforementioned patients were treated under other diagnosis: Dermatitis allergic 50%, Piodermia 30%, Dermatitis seborrhoica 10%, Dermatosis 10%. Problem is the medical treatment of only sick child, and not of complete family. That makes possibility for inter-family infestation and prolongs course of scabies as disease as well as its medical treatment. In infants with skin changes we should also consider possibility of infection by parasite Sarcoptes scabiei var. hominis. Medical treatment and appropriate diagnostic as well as treatment of all members of the families without the matter of existence of skin changes makes the course of disease shorter.