A Case of Norwegian Scabies in a Patient with Chronic Kidney Disease and Down Syndrome.
- Author:
Gun Woo KANG
1
;
Byong Kyu KIM
;
Hyo Lim HONG
;
Ki Hun CHUNG
;
Hyun CHUNG
;
In Hee LEE
Author Information
1. Department of Internal Medicine, Catholic University of Daegu School of Medicine, Daegu, Korea. ihlee@cu.ac.kr
- Publication Type:Case Report
- Keywords:
Chronic kidney failure;
Down syndrome;
Scabies;
Pruritus
- MeSH:
Developmental Disabilities;
Down Syndrome;
Exanthema;
Hand;
Humans;
Hydroxides;
Immunosuppression;
Kidney Failure, Chronic;
Lindane;
Male;
Middle Aged;
Mites;
Potassium;
Potassium Compounds;
Pruritus;
Renal Dialysis;
Renal Insufficiency, Chronic;
Sarcoptes scabiei;
Scabies;
Skin;
Skin Diseases, Infectious;
Weights and Measures
- From:Korean Journal of Nephrology
2010;29(6):813-817
- CountryRepublic of Korea
- Language:Korean
-
Abstract:
Norwegian or crusted scabies is a rare, highly contagious atypical form of scabies caused by the mite Sarcoptes scabiei var. homonis. It is usually associated with advanced age, immunosuppression, physical debility, and developmental disabilities. We report here a case of Norwegian scabies in an institutionalized patient with chronic kidney disease (CKD) and Down syndrome. A 56-year-old male presented at our department with pruritic rash and general weakness of 2 months' duration. Examination showed hyperkeratotic, scaly, crusted erythematous plaques on the hands, trunk, and back of the patient. The microscopic examination of the skin scales with potassium hydroxide demonstrated numerous scabies mites. The patient was treated with hemodialysis and repeated applications of 1% lindane lotion for 2 weeks. He reported significant relief of pruritus and resolution of the skin lesions after the treatment. In addition to uremic pruritus, infectious skin diseases such as Norwegian scabies should be considered in the institutionalized patients with advanced CKD and resistant pruritus.
