Summary
Introduction. Scabies is a common, transmittable parasitic disease caused by Sarcoptes scabiei var. hominis. Clinical variations and similarity to other dermatoses cause diagnostic issues and late diagnosis. A misdiagnosis and pointless use of glucocorticosteroids complicate diagnostics further, and the right treatment is delayed.
Objectives. The aim of this article is to present epidemiology, etiopathogenesis, clinical variants, diagnostic procedure and treatment options of scabies.
Results. Scabies incidence rate from 1946 to 2018 is provided. Eleven clinical forms of scabies, including very rare, are described. The importance of a dermatoscopy is emphasized. Diagnosis of the disease is suspected on characteristics of itch, clinical findings, mite burrow detection, dermato scopy showed “triangle sign”. Definitive diagnosis is supported by positive microscopic examination of skin scraping which identifies mites. It is crucial to treat all people living to gether with the patient, as well as sexual partners. Topical and systemic treatment for scabies is available. The regular schedule is an application of topical permethrin 4% for 24 hours for two days and repetition of schedule after 3 days. When crusted scabies is diagnosed topical keratolytic and topical permethrin 4% are repeated daily for 7 days then 2× weekly until cure. Topical treatment can be combined with and systemic oral ivermectin 200 mg/kg on the 1st, 2nd and 8th, 9th day or even more. Clothing, bedding, towels, and other items should be machine washed in high temperatures or sealed and stored in a plastic bag for a week. Treatment may last from 7 days up to a month.
