Scabies: Clinical Signs, Diagnosis and Current Treatment

Abstract

Scabies is a parasitic disease caused by Sarcoptes scabiei var hominis. It can spread through indirect contact with contaminated objects as well as direct skin-to-skin contact. Widespread itching that gets worse at night can be present along with a variety of lesions, including papules, vesicles, nodules and excoriations. Mites, eggs, or faeces should be visualised using an additional tool for a definitive diagnosis. Only the patient's history and physical examination are used to diagnose clinical scabies or suspected clinical scabies. It is included in the differential diagnosis with other itchy skin diseases. Although other topical treatments like benzyl benzoate, sulphur, and lindane are available, permethrin is still the top option. Oral ivermectin is used as an efficient, secure, and affordable treatment for scabies in many countries despite not having FDA approval for this use. Current search for treatment continues, and there are studies on moxidectin and isoxazoline derivative drugs. Application errors, skipping treatment repetitions, inadequate environmental cleaning, not receiving treatment from the patient's relatives, and not providing the patient with the necessary precautions in writing are all reasons why treatments fail. It is known that good results can be obtained in the treatment of scabies, which continues to be a global public health problem, if physicians have sufficient knowledge and can manage their patients appropriately. By summarising the information that is currently available, this review aims to provide an update on the clinical characteristics, diagnosis, treatment, and management of scabies.