Crusted scabies in an immunocompetent child: treatment with ivermectin

An 11-year-old girl presented to our clinic with recalcitrant crusted scabies despite repeated applications of topical scabicides. She had no history of corticosteroid use prior to onset of the eruption and no evidence of immunodeficiency. A combination of oral ivermectin, topical lindane, and keratolytics cleared the infestation. Our patient is exceptional in that she had no risk factors commonly associated with a propensity to develop crusted scabies. While topical therapy remains the first-line treatment for children with classic scabies, in the unusual instance of a child with recalcitrant, crusted scabies, ivermectin may offer an efficacious alternative, although it should be used with caution. We discuss the use of oral ivermectin for treatment of crusted scabies and the challenging comprehensive management needed for this socially stigmatizing condition.