Related Experiment Videos
Crusted (Norwegian) scabies
1University of Texas Medical School, Houston.
Abstract:
Crusted (Norwegian) scabies, a rare variant of ordinary scabies, is a highly contagious infection in which the skin is infested with thousands to millions of mites. The infection is frequently overlooked because of its atypical presentations. Patients with cognitive deficiency or an immunodeficiency disorder (including immunosuppressive therapy) are predisposed to developing crusted scabies. The infection often presents as generalized dermatitis with crusted hyperkeratosis on the palms and soles. Diagnosis is made by examining skin scrapings from the crusted lesions. Lindane is the scabicide most widely used in the treatment of crusted scabies. Eradication frequently requires repeated applications, and care must be taken to avoid lindane toxicity. Permethrin cream is as efficacious as lindane in the treatment of ordinary scabies. Because of its wider margin of safety, permethrin may become the preferred treatment for crusted scabies.
Insights
Crusted scabies is a severe, contagious skin infestation often missed due to unusual symptoms. Permethrin cream offers a safer, effective alternative to lindane for treating this condition.
Area of Science:
- Dermatology
- Infectious Diseases
- Parasitology
Background:
- Crusted scabies, a severe form of scabies, involves extensive skin mite infestation.
- It is often misdiagnosed due to atypical presentations.
- Individuals with cognitive or immune deficiencies are at higher risk.
Purpose of the Study:
- To review the characteristics and treatment of crusted scabies.
- To compare the efficacy and safety of permethrin cream versus lindane.
Main Methods:
- Review of clinical presentations of crusted scabies.
- Analysis of diagnostic methods, primarily skin scrapings.
- Evaluation of treatment outcomes with lindane and permethrin.
Main Results:
- Crusted scabies presents as generalized dermatitis with hyperkeratosis.
- Diagnosis relies on microscopic identification of mites in skin scrapings.
- Lindane is a common treatment but requires caution due to toxicity; permethrin shows comparable efficacy with a better safety profile.
Conclusions:
- Crusted scabies requires prompt diagnosis and treatment.
- Permethrin cream is a potentially preferred treatment for crusted scabies due to its safety margin over lindane.