Scabies

parasite infection

Etiology
1. itch mite (Sarcoptes scabiei) 2. female tunnels into skin and lays eggs which hatch within a few days 3. transmitted readily by skin to skin contact 4. rarely spread by clothing or bedding 5. does not live long off human body

Signs & Symptoms
1. marked pruritis 2. fine wavy dark lines in skin with papule at open end a. sometimes difficult to see due to lesions from scratching

Diagnosis
1. scrapings taken from burrow

Treatment
1. lindane (Kwell) 2. permethrin (Nix)