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Scabies

Roland W. Newman II, DO and Matthew J Kor, MD Reviewed 05/2023
 


BASICS

DESCRIPTION

  • A contagious parasitic infection of the skin caused by the mite Sarcoptes scabiei, var. hominis

  • Typically, a clinical diagnosis based on history and physical exam

  • System(s) affected: s...

DIAGNOSIS

HISTORY

  • Generalized itching is often severe and worse at night.

  • Identify potential contact with infected individuals.

  • Initial/primary infection usually asymptomatic for the first 3 to 4 weeks (...

TREATMENT

GENERAL MEASURES

  • Treat all intimate contacts (including close household and family members).

  • Treat items in contact with skin. Wash all clothing, bed linens, and towels in hot (60° C) water an...

ONGOING CARE

FOLLOW-UP RECOMMENDATIONS

Patient Monitoring

Recheck patient at weekly intervals only if rash or itching persists. Scrape new lesions and retreat if mites or products are found. 

PATIENT EDUCATION

REFERENCES

1
Sunderkötter C, et al.Scabies: Epidemiology, Diagnosis, and Treatment. Dtsch Arztebl Int. 2021;118(41):695-704. doi:10.3238/arztebl.m2021.0296
2
Gunning K, et al. Lice and scabies: treatment...

SEE ALSO

Arthropod Bites and Stings; Pediculosis (Lice) 

CODES

ICD10

  • B86 Scabies

SNOMED

  • 128870005 Crusted scabies

  • 128869009 Infestation by Sarcoptes scabiei var hominis

  • 128873007 Post-scabetic nodules

  • 44065001 Infestation by Sarcoptes scabiei var canis

  • 20444004 In...

CLINICAL PEARLS

  • Prior to diagnosis, use of a topical steroid to treat pruritic symptoms may mask symptoms and is termed scabies incognito.

  • Eczema and itching may persist for up to 4 weeks after treatme...

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