Scabies management in the community.

BACKGROUND

Unidentified and undertreated cases of scabies are the source of continued spread.

AIMS: To evaluate management of scabies in the community.

METHODS

Eighty-six outpatient and ward referrals were reviewed. Fifty-six had previously applied scabicidal treatments (Group 1), whilst in 30 patients the diagnosis was made de novo (Group 2). Treatment failure was identified by a detailed questionnaire. In both groups, patients were reviewed at four to six weeks.

RESULTS

Sixty-four per cent of Group 1 was initially correctly diagnosed. Seventy per cent of Group 1 patients had received verbal and written instruction as part of previous unsuccessful treatments. The clearance rate in the combined group treated according to protocol was 96%; 100% clearance was ultimately achieved.

CONCLUSION

Inconsistency in diagnosis and treatment of patients is common. A treatment protocol should be made available to family practitioners.