Scabies in infants and children - a narrative review.
Eur J Pediatr
; 183(6): 2527-2536, 2024 Jun.
Article
in En
| MEDLINE
| ID: mdl-38536458
ABSTRACT
Scabies is a human ectoparasitosis caused by Sarcoptes scabei var. hominis. World-wide around 300 million patients are affected. Infants and children have the highest incidence rates. Poverty and overcrowding are social factors contributing to a higher risk of transmission and treatment failure. The leading symptom of the infestation is itch. Complications are bacterial infections that are responsible for mortality. Diagnosis is clinical. Non-invasive imaging technologies like dermoscopy can be used. Polymerase chain reaction (PCR) is less sensitive and specific than microscopy of skin scrapings. Treatment of choice is topical permethrin 5%. Ivermectin is the only oral drug FDA-approved for scabies. It should be used in cases non-responsive to topical therapy and in case of high number of infested patients in addition to topical therapy. Pseudo-resistance to treatment is not uncommon. New drugs are on the horizon. What is Known ⢠Pruritus is the leading symptom causing sleep disturbances and scratching with the risk of secondary bacterial infections. ⢠Treatment failure is related to inappropriate application of topical drugs and asymptomatic family members. What is New ⢠COVID-19 pandemic and migration are contributing to an increased incidence of scabies. ⢠New compounds to treat scabies are on the horizon.
Key words
Full text:
1
Database:
MEDLINE
Main subject:
Scabies
/
COVID-19
Limits:
Child
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Child, preschool
/
Humans
/
Infant
Language:
En
Journal:
Eur J Pediatr
Year:
2024
Type:
Article
Affiliation country:
Romania