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[Facial involvement in scabies in infancy]
1Hautklinik und Hautpoliklinik, Freien Universität Berlin im Rudolf Virchow-Krankenhaus.
Insights
Facial papules in infants may not indicate scabies mites. Direct facial treatment for scabies is unnecessary in babies, even with generalized dermatitis, as mites are often absent from the face.
Area of Science:
- Pediatrics
- Dermatology
- Parasitology
Background:
- Scabies, caused by Sarcoptes scabiei, is a common parasitic infestation.
- Infantile scabies can present with varied dermatological manifestations.
- Transmission during breastfeeding is a potential route of infestation.
Abstract:
The infestation of a 3-month-old child with Sarcoptes scabiei by way of infested nipples during the breast-feeding period led initially to facial papules and later to generalized dermatitis. Scabies mites were not detected on the face; studies on ten infested babies in India supported this findings. Thus, direct antiscabies treatment to the face is not necessary in babies.