Scabies, a current pandemic

Scabies, caused by the itch mite and transmitted by skin-to-skin contact, is being seen in pandemic proportion. In the United States this infestation is seen in patients of all ages and socioeconomic levels. Scabies is often misdiagnosed, and the classic form occurs less frequently in the current cycle. Differential diagnosis includes most pruritic dermatoses. Diagnosis should be made with certainity, preferably by identification of the mite, before therapy is begun. Modern scabicides are high effective.