Scabies

Scabies

Kristen Smith Danielson, MD

Basic Information

Definition

Scabies is a skin infestation by small parasites called itch mites (Sarcoptes scabiei). The term is derived from the Latin word scabere, meaning “to scratch.”

ICD-9-CM Code

133.0 Scabies

Epidemiology & Demographics

• Humans are the main infection source through close human physical contact.
• Transmission from dogs and other animals is rare.
• Infants and young children have a more varied presentation.
• Approximately 50% to 66% of family members will become clinically infected.
• Scabies affects all socioeconomic levels, ages, genders, and races.
• Delayed type IV hypersensitivity reaction occurs 10 to 30 days after exposure. If sensitized from a previous infection, symptoms may begin within 1 to 4 days after reinfection, but the reaction usually is not as severe.

Clinical Presentation

• Intensely pruritic rash appears worse at night.
• Household members often report similar symptoms.
• Severity varies within a household.
• The classic lesion is a slightly raised and fairly linear burrow ranging from a few millimeters to a centimeter. A black dot (i.e., mite) is seen at the leading edge.
• It is typically located in the webs of fingers and toes and on the sides of hands and feet.
• Children younger than 5 years are often infected from head to toe, including palms and soles, with eczematous lesions.
• Older children and adults have lesions in the webs of fingers, axillas, flexor surfaces of arms, belt line, nipples, buttocks, and genitals. Facial involvement is rare.
• Secondary lesions commonly are the result of scratching and possibly of secondary infection.
image Crusted papules
image Vesicles
image Pustules
image Excoriations
image Eczematous areas

Etiology

• The female mite burrows into stratum corneum, sucking tissue for nutrition.

Related posts:

  1. Animal Bites
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  3. Thrombophlebitis, Superficial
  4. Malrotation & Volvulus

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Jul 2, 2016 | Posted by in PEDIATRICS | Comments Off on Scabies

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