Scabies: A clinical update.

The objective of this article is to provide updates on the clinical diagnosis and treatment approaches for scabies in Australia. DISCUSSION: Clinical examination remains the mainstay of diagnosis, although dermatoscopy is a useful adjunct. Scabies presents with severe itch and a papular rash, with a predilection for the hands, feet and genitalia. The distribution may be more widespread in infants and older people. Secondary bacterial infection is also common in patients with scabies. Crusted scabies is a rare but highly infectious variant. Topical permethrin is highly effective for individual treatment, but less practical for treatment of asymptomatic contacts and control of outbreaks. Oral ivermectin is a safe and effective alternative, and is now listed on the Pharmaceutical Benefits Scheme as a third-line treatment. PMID: 28472570 [PubMed - in process]
Source: Australian Family Physician - Category: Primary Care Authors: Tags: Aust Fam Physician Source Type: research