Syed Muhammad Shamim.
Scabies: A common skin problem often misdiagnosed.
J Pak Assoc Derma Jan ;10(3):12-8.

Scabies is a common skin problem and is caused by a parasite sarcoptes scabiei. The affected patient develops pruritic papules. The sites of predilection are chiefly the inter digital webs of the hands, the wrist, the flexures, of the arms, the axillae, the nipples, area around the umbilicus, lower abdomen, genitals and the buttocks. The disease spreads in epidemics and is transmitted from one person to another, unhygienic situations are basic factors for the spread of this infestation. Delayed treatment of the primary cases may flare-up the problem. Sufficient survey of the epidemiological problem is necessary. Very important matter is misdiagnosis of the disease, it has been misdiagnosed as eczema, allergic dermatitis, pyogenic infections etc. Irrational use of corticosteroids have contributed in flaring-up of the disease. The disease can be easily treated with crolamiton cream, Benzyl benzoate emulsion, and sulphur ointment. There are many other drugs topical available for its treatment. Only oral drug available is ivermectin single dose of which gives good results. All preventive and Therapeutic measures are necessary, good diagnostic acumen is needed in practitioners of medicine.

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