Scabies. Are your patients at risk?

Management of chronic, resistive scabies: a case study

It took about 9 months of diligent effort to resolve Mr. C's chronic, highly resistive case of scabies. In all, Mr. C. had a total of seven treatments with a scabicidal lotion or cream. In addition, other medications were prescribed in an attempt to resolve his skin condition. The treatment of scabies is costly to an institution, in medications, supplies, and additional nursing time required to treat the patient, as well as other patients prophylactically. Therefore it behooves nurses to do a thorough skin assessment on all nursing home care patients at least monthly, recognize early signs of scabies, and be cognizant of the fact that scabies in the elderly patient may have an atypical distribution.

The "nuisance" sexually transmitted diseases: molluscum contagiosum, scabies, and crab lice

Although molluscum contagiosum, scabies, and infestation by crab lice do not carry the requirements of partner notification or other long-term consequences, they are among the most commonly reported sexually transmitted disease. Molluscum contagiosum is a benign viral infection of the skin epidermal layer, most often transmitted by intimate skin-to-skin contact. The lesions often resolve spontaneously over time, but patient discomfort or social reasons may require destructive removal of the lesions. Scabies is caused by the Sarcoptes scabiei mite. The victims continually itch, especially at night, and often seek over-the-counter topical remedies before seeing a clinician. Once a correct diagnosis is made, successful resolution of this disease and its itching can be achieved. Head and pubic lice account for most of the more than three million cases of louse infestation treated in the United States each year. Symptoms of infestation generally include itching that leads to scratching, erythema, irritation, and inflammation. A careful diagnosis followed by disinfection, symptomatic treatment, and psychologic support should result in a complete cure with no long-term effects.