Prevalence of Sarcoptes scabiei in Patients with Suspected scabies

Objective: Scabies is caused by an ectoparasite called Sarcoptes scabiei (S. scabiei), which penetrates the epidermis through skin folds and burrows in the stratum corneum, following the development of tunnels (sillion). The disease is specifically characterised by keratosis, allergy and itching that increases at night-time. This study aimed to investigate the frequency of S. scabiei in patients with a pro-diagnosis of scabies. Objective: Between January 2012 and December 2019, a total of 746 [n=388 (52%), female; n=358 (48%) male] patients aged 0-80 years were admitted to Firat University Hospital Parasitology-mycology Laboratory. Skin scrapings were taken from suspected lesions on anatomic regions such as the hands (wrist, interdigital skin, fingertip and palm), abdomen, penis and legs (thigh and bottom foot). They were examined under a light microscope after adding 15% potassium hydroxide solution. Results: S. scabiei was positive in 139 (18.63%) of 746 patients including a mother and her daughter and a married couple, where 68 (9.11%) were female and 71 (9.52%) were male. Conclusion: To our best knowledge, this is the first comprehensive study of scabies in Elazig. Despite the recent socio-economic and cultural developments observed in our country, scabies and all other parasitic infestations still remain to be important problems. We believe that improvement of the public vigilance together with early diagnosis will improve sanitation and provide protection against scabies and parasitic infestations.

Long-Term Itching in a Tourist Following Bite by a Nymph of Dermacentor auratus (Acari: Ixodidae) in Cambodia.

The impact of tick bites during holidays in tropical countries is seldom reported. Here, we describe long-term skin alterations and itching experienced by a German tourist following the bite of a nymph of Dermacentor auratus Supino, 1897 in Cambodia. Tick infestation may be neglected by travelers. Therefore, careful travel history is necessary when travelers report a tick bite after spending holiday in tropical and subtropical countries.

Scabies-induced lichen simplex chronicus misdiagnosed as psychogenic pruritus: a case report.

INTRODUCTION: Lichen simplex chronicus has been defined as a localized skin condition characterized by thickening, hyperpigmentation and accentuated skin markings from chronic itching and from repeated scratching. The affected skin area is usually described as demarcated, and often circumscribed. It has even been defined as a "psychogenic pruritic disorder". The idea of a neurological component has also been suggested, hence the term 'neurodermatitis circumscripta'. However, the pathophysiology of this condition remains unclear. Several associations and etiologies have been reported in literature, including strong links with mental disorders-anxiety and obsessive compulsive disorder to be specific. We report this case, most importantly, to highlight the value of an open-minded approach to patients and the 'old-fashioned' physician character of empathy, the skill of detailed history taking and physical examination, and lastly to suggest that lichen simplex chronicus may not always present as a localized, 'circumscripta' or demarcated area of skin. CASE DESCRIPTION: When a sixty-five year-old Caucasian female presented to our clinic agitated, intensely scratching her entire body and complaining of severe pruritus, an open-minded detailed approach during history taking and physical examination led to the working diagnosis of diffuse lichenification from chronic scratching secondary to a "possible" cutaneous disorder. Her medical history was unremarkable, but her psychiatric history was significant for Anxiety disorder. She remained on her anxiolytic medication. Her presenting symptom was reported to have persisted for more than 9 months. Review of previous unremarkable lab results and a remarkable findings on detailed skin inspection led to an empiric, trial regimen consisting of three topical preparations: an anti-pruritic-to break the itch-scratch cycle, anti-inflammatory-to curb any inflammatory/immune response and a 'last-ditch' scabicidal application. Follow-up was scheduled, but the patient called the office requesting an earlier follow up appointment. The lesions had significantly improved and the hyper-pigmented, indurated and escoriated skin appearance had resolved; and most importantly, the pruritus. CONCLUSION: Thus we conclude that lichen simplex chronicus may not always present as circumscribed or localized area of skin as currently noted in literature. Also, in patients with psychiatric conditions including anxiety and obsessive-compulsive disorder in particular, effort should be made to avoid stereotyping their presentation as part of their mental disorder spectrum. The value of detailed history and physical examination, mixed with empathy is highlighted. We make our recommendation considering the profound turnaround in the patient's condition and quality of life after several months of emotional and psychological suffering.

Pyemotes ventricosus Dermatitis: Comet-Shaped Skin Lesions after Contact with Woodworm-Infested Furniture.

A 23-year-old woman presented to our dermatology clinic for the sudden onset of pruritic lesions on her forearms and legs for the past two days ago. She had been restoring used furniture infested with woodworm. We observed many oval "comet-shaped" erythematous maculopapules with a serpiginous track on the exposed parts of her forearms and legs (Figure 1). Considering the temporal relationship and the contact with woodworm, we were able to diagnose it as Pyemotes ventricosus. We prescribed topical corticosteroids twice daily. By the 8th day, the lesions had cleared.

The Retrospective Analysis of Demodex spp. Results in Aydin Adnan Menderes University Faculty of Medicine Hospital Parasitology Laboratory.

OBJECTIVE: Demodex spp. is one of the most common ectoparasites in humans. The aim of the present study is to evaluate the positivity of Demodex spp. in our Parasitology Laboratory, retrospectively. METHODS: The study included Demodex spp. suspected cases from different departments between 2008 and 2017. The link between Demodex spp. and demographics and symptoms was investigated. In addition, Demodex spp. was evaluated regarding symptoms and distribution pattern (U, T and diffuse region). RESULTS: Demodex spp. was detected in 576 (78%) of 738 cases. There was no relationship between sex and parasite positivity, but frequency was lower in cases below 19 years. There was a relationship between presence of parasite and redness, itching, burning and rash. The parasite density was higher in U region (n=335, 58.2%). When clinical findings and parasite number were statistically compared; itching, burning and rash were significantly higher in patients with parasite density ≥5 parasites/cm2, while a similar result was not observed in patients with redness. CONCLUSION: Given its prevalence and its relationship with the clinical findings; we believe that Demodex is an important parasitic disease for our province and should be evaluated in cases with various dermatological complaints in the face.

Case for diagnosis. Erythematous and pruritic papules on forearms.

Gamasoidosis is a poorly known and underdiagnosed mite infestation. It is characterized by the presence of erythematous and flattened papules that are quite pruritic, and can affect any region of the body, with preference for areas of folds. This article reports a case of the disease caused by mites of the species Dermanyssus gallinae. Increasingly, the agents that cause this disease are found in urban environments, increasing the incidence of people affected by the disease. This dermatosis has a self-limiting clinical picture and the treatment is done with the use of topical corticosteroids and oral antihistamines.

Case for diagnosis. Erythematous and pruritic papules on forearms

Abstract Gamasoidosis is a poorly known and underdiagnosed mite infestation. It is characterized by the presence of erythematous and flattened papules that are quite pruritic, and can affect any region of the body, with preference for areas of folds. This article reports a case of the disease caused by mites of the species Dermanyssus gallinae. Increasingly, the agents that cause this disease are found in urban environments, increasing the incidence of people affected by the disease. This dermatosis has a self-limiting clinical picture and the treatment is done with the use of topical corticosteroids and oral antihistamines.

[Gamasoidosis caused by Dermanyssusgallinae]. / Prurigo à Dermanyssusgallinae.

INTRODUCTION: Mite parasites can be transmitted from animals to humans and cause prurigo. OBSERVATION: We describe a case of mite transmission in a 75-year-old woman referred for pruritus and erythematous maculopapular rash. On clinical examination mites were seen on the patient's skin. The mites were collected and characterized using microscopy. The species was identified as Dermanyssusgallinae, also known as the poultry red mite, an ectoparasite that commonly infests bird nests. The source of the patient's contamination was her henhouse, where mites were found in the wooden beams. Molecular analysis by mitochondrial DNA sequencing was performed on a mite collected from the patient and on a mite collected from the henhouse. This analysis confirmed that both belonged to the D. gallinaes.str species, and that the source of contamination was poultry farming. CONCLUSION: This case describes transmission to a human of the mite D. gallinaes.str via hens, resulting in prurigo, as confirmed by morphological and molecular analysis.

Outbreak of Swimmer's Itch in Denmark.

Swimmer's itch, or cercarial dermatitis, is a waterborne non-communicable skin condition caused by schistosome cercariae released by aquatic snails. Cercarial dermatitis appears worldwide, but may be caused by different trematode species. The itchy maculopapular rash develops on exposed areas of the skin and typically resolves within 1-3 weeks. Shedding of infective larvae from snails is temperature dependent, and high temperatures and sunshine increase the risk of encountering the parasite and becoming infected. The unusually warm spring and summer of 2018 led to an increasing number of reports of the condition in Denmark and established a collaboration between the Department of Dermatology and the Faculty of Health and Medical Sciences, Department of Veterinary and Animal Sciences. This study explored the clinical picture of the disease, and demonstrated the occurrence of infected fresh water snail species in selected Danish water bodies. In conclusion, a risk of swimmer's itch in Denmark was confirmed.

An Unusual Presentation of Pyemotes ventricosus Dermatitis Presenting With Umbilicated Papules Mimicking Poxvirus Infection.

Pyemotes ventricosus mites are an uncommon cause of pruritic dermatitis seen most commonly in occupational exposure, prominently found in professionals such as farmers, landscapers, and factory workers who work with grains, wheat, dried beans, or grasses. The clinical description of the rash has typically been described as papular, erythematous, with a central vesicular lesion. We describe a case of Pyemotes dermatitis with an atypical clinical presentation. A 30-year-old man presented with pruritic, umbilicated papules, which involved his right lateral trunk and upper thigh leading to the submitted clinical impression of molloscum contagiosum. A biopsy of the skin was taken, and fragments of arthropod consistent with P. ventricosus were identified within umbilicated indentations of skin. The patient subsequently admitted to the onset of the rash immediately after carrying bales of straw while supporting each bale with his right side. The possibility of Pyemotes dermatitis mimicking a poxvirus-like eruption should be considered when encountering an unusual umbilicated papular eruption in the appropriate patient with occupational exposure.

Many pustules that itch .

Furuncular myiasis is a cutaneous parasitosis that occurs in tropical regions. It is manifested by lesions with the appearance of pustules, because of the presence of the fly larva in the skin. This misleading appearance can delay diagnosis. The extraction of these Cayor worms can be facilitated by the use of a comedo-extractor.