Amadea Zupan
Študentka medicine

Mateja Starbek Zorko
Dermatovenerološka klinika, Univerzitetni klinični center Ljubljana, Ljubljana, Slovenia

Abstract

Scabies is a contagious parasitic skin disease caused by the mite Sarcoptes scabiei var. hominis. Transmission occurs mainly through close skin-to-skin contact and, less commonly, indirect-ly via contaminated clothing or bedding. Infants and children are most commonly affected, and in the case of scabies norvegica, people with weakened immune systems. In recent years, a marked increase in incidence has been observed across Europe and Slovenia, including in settings with adequate hygiene. The disease is characterized by intense pruritus, most pro-nounced at night, and with typical papules in pairs, often scratched and covered with scabs, in areas of thinner, soft and hairless skin with less sebum secretion. In infants, the face, scalp, palms, and soles may also be involved. Scabies granulomas and infantile acropustulosis may also develop. Diagnosis is based on the clinical presentation, dermatoscopy, and microscopic identification of mites or their products. Treatment includes topical application of 5% permethrin as the first-line drug, but in resistant forms or for special indications, oral ivermectin can be used in addition to replacing topical therapy. Simultaneous treatment of all family members or contacts and consistent implementation of hygiene measures are important. Recently, there have been reports of increasing ineffectiveness of recommended therapy due to incorrect use and development of mite resistance, which emphasizes the need for early recognition of the disease, appropriate treatment and prevention.

Key words: parasitic diseases, scabies, children, clinical picture, treatment