Two Cases of the Norwegian Scabies-Infested Patients with Chronic Disease in Elderly Care Unit.
10.4235/jkgs.2012.16.3.153
- Author:
Dong Il JEONG
1
;
Min Seong KIM
;
Joon Ho JEON
;
Tae Hyung KWON
;
Myung Ki HYUN
;
Yong Kyu LEE
Author Information
1. Department of Internal Medicine, Good Gang-An Hospital, Busan, Korea. lyk59@medimail.co.kr
- Publication Type:Case Report
- Keywords:
Scabies;
Nursing home;
Immunocompromised host
- MeSH:
Aged;
Chronic Disease;
Exanthema;
Humans;
Immune System;
Immunocompromised Host;
Incidence;
Korea;
Lindane;
Mentally Disabled Persons;
Mites;
Nursing Homes;
Pneumonia;
Pruritus;
Renal Insufficiency, Chronic;
Scabies
- From:Journal of the Korean Geriatrics Society
2012;16(3):153-157
- CountryRepublic of Korea
- Language:Korean
-
Abstract:
The scabies mite is an ectoparasite, which is able to infest humans. The incidence of scabies decreased during the past 20 years in Korea. However, the incidence is likely to increase again, and may be delayed or missed diagnosis recently. Its clinical presentation is typical, although in a host with compromised immune system, like the mentally retarded and elderly patients, the clinical presentation may be altered. Because a delay in diagnosis may induce rapid spread of the scabies mite, immediate diagnosis and treatment are necessary. We report two cases of scabies in elderly patients from different nursing homes. These patients were transferred to our center for treatment of pneumonia and chronic renal disease. They revealed pruritus and skin rashes after the treatment of further underlying diseases. We consulted to a dermatologist because of worsening symptoms, despite an application of medication with antihistamine and topical steroid, scabies was diagnosed. The symptom improved with topical 1% gamma-benzene hexachloride, an effective scabies drug. We suggest that geriatrists should suspect scabies who presents with pruritus that is persistent or resistant to conventional treatment, especially patients transferred from nursing homes.
