Crusted (Norwegian) scabies in patients with AIDS: the range of clinical presentations

Crusted (Norwegian) scabies in AIDS patients can be manifested in both typical and atypical forms. Although the classic, hyperkeratotic, nonpruritic lesions are most common, reported cases have ranged in spectrum from crusting with pruritus to a pruritic, papular dermatitis to those resembling Darier's disease or psoriasis. We report two additional cases of crusted scabies in AIDS patients, one with typical crusted, hyperkeratotic though pruritic lesions and one with severe pruritus and rare papules, initially misdiagnosed as "pruritus of AIDS." Because of the extremely contagious nature of crusted scabies, as well as its potential for complete cure with appropriate therapy, a high degree of suspicion for this disorder should be maintained in AIDS patients, even when the lesions do not have the classical appearance. The discovery of crusted scabies, whether in its common or its atypical form should prompt testing for the human immunodeficiency virus (HIV).