Exaggerated hyperkeratosis in a nursing home patient

Scabies, caused by the mite Sarcoptes scabiei var hominis, is a common infestation that presents with intense itching. Crusted scabies, also known as Norwegian scabies, is a severe variant of classic scabies that is characterized by hyperkeratotic lesions and often manifests in immunosuppressed patients. There is both a high parasitic load and high infectivity with this form of scabies because crusted scabies can look similar to many conditions including psoriasis, eczema, and seborrheic dermatitis, diagnosis can be difficult and is based on both clinical findings and microscopic detection of the scabies mite, eggs, or fecal material (scybala). We describe a case of a 64-year-old female patient diagnosed with crusted scabies.