Management of scabies.

Author: Farhad Fakhrudin VASANWALA ¹ ; Chong Yau ONG ² ; Chen Wee Derrick AW ³ ; Choon How HOW ⁴
Author Information

1. Medical Care Services, Institute of Mental Health, Singapore.
2. Department of Post-Acute and Continuity Care, Sengkang Community Hospital, Singapore.
3. Department of General Medicine, Sengkang General Hospital, Singapore.
4. Family Medicine Academic Clinical Programme, SingHealth Duke-NUS Academic Medical Centre, Singapore.
Publication Type:Journal Article
Keywords: mites; sarcoptes; scabies
From:Singapore medical journal 2019;60(6):281-285
CountrySingapore
Language:English
Abstract: Scabies is a common infestation worldwide, affecting persons of any age and socioeconomic status. In Singapore, it is more common in institutions rather than in homes. The two variants are classic scabies and crusted scabies, with the latter having a significantly higher mite burden. Early identification, isolation of index patients and prophylactic treatment of contacts are essential in dealing with the outbreak. Locally, most primary care practitioners make the diagnosis based on visual inspection and clinical examination. A skin scrape is done to confirm the diagnosis, especially in atypical presentations. Scabietic mites, eggs or faeces can be seen on microscopy. The usual treatment for adult scabies in Singapore is the use of topical malathion or permethrin. A combination of topical permethrin and oral ivermectin is used for crusted scabies.