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Background: There is a huge demand–supply gap between the incidence of genital dermatoses (including sexually transmitted infections and non‐venereal genital dermatoses) and physicians trained to manage them. Objectives: To find out the performance of an artificial intelligence (AI)‐based mobile application in the image diagnosis of genital dermatoses, and to compare it with primary care physicians (PCPs) and dermatologists. Methods: Photos of the genital diseases of consecutive patients presenting to the STD and genital diseases clinic were included. The gold standard diagnosis was established by the consensus of two certified dermatologists after examination and one positive investigation. Image diagnoses by the DermaAId application, two PCPs, and two dermatologists were recorded and compared to the gold standard diagnosis and to each other. Results: A total of 257 genital disease images, including 95 (37.0%) anogenital warts, 60 (22.2%) lichen sclerosus, 20 (7.8%) anogenital herpes, 15 (5.8%) tinea cruris, 14 (5.4%) molluscum contagiosum, 9 (3.5%) candidiasis, 8 (3.1%) scabies, 6 (2.3%) squamous cell carcinomas, were included. The top‐1 correct diagnosis rate of the application was 68.9%, compared to the 50.4% of the PCPs and 73.2% of the dermatologists. The application significantly outperformed PCPs with regard to the correlation with the gold standard diagnosis (P < 0.0001), and matched that of the dermatologists. Conclusions: AI‐based image diagnosis platforms can potentially be a low‐cost rapid decision support tool for PCPs, integrated with syndromic management programs and direct‐to‐consumer services, and address healthcare inequities in managing genital dermatoses. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Human Demodex mites, Demodex folliculorum and Demodex brevis, are microorganisms that reside in the pilosebaceous units, usually without causing symptoms. Phototherapy has been linked to demodicosis in previous studies. We aimed to determine whether there was an increase in the frequency of demodicosis and Demodex density after 20 phototherapy sessions. Methods: A case–control study was conducted with 32 participants who received narrowband ultraviolet B or ultraviolet A‐1 therapy for various dermatological indications. Standardized skin surface biopsies were performed before and after phototherapy to assess Demodex density. The presence of Demodex‐related skin conditions was assessed before phototherapy. A statistical analysis was performed to compare the Demodex densities and prevalence of demodicosis between the baseline and 20th session of phototherapy. Results: No significant change was observed in Demodex density after 20 sessions of phototherapy. The average Demodex density before treatment was 2.75 ± 4.48 (/cm2), and after treatment, it was 2.85 ± 4.81 (/cm2), indicating no significant difference (P = 0.879). The percentage of patients with demodicosis in at least one region of the face was 28.1% (9/32) before treatment, and after treatment, it was 31.3% (10/32), with no significant difference (P = 1.00). Conclusions: Our findings contradict previous studies that suggested an increased Demodex density and demodicosis prevalence after phototherapy. The data from previous studies are open to debate due to their selected samples, designs, and interpretations regarding the phototherapy–immunosuppression–Demodex relationship. Larger‐scale longitudinal studies conducted on a homogeneous sample are warranted to better understand the relationship between phototherapy and demodicosis. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Neglected tropical diseases (NTDs) affect over a billion individuals worldwide, predominantly in low‐income countries in tropical and subtropical areas. These diseases frequently result in chronic and debilitating health conditions that significantly diminish the quality of life, often leading to social isolation. The frequent dermatological manifestations underscore the role of dermatologists in managing NTDs. This editorial highlights the crucial role of dermatologists in diagnosing and treating NTDs, focusing on four key diseases: Monkeypox (Mpox) infection, scabies, leprosy, and leishmaniasis. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The article "Scabies: a historical perspective" provides a comprehensive overview of the history of scabies infestation, tracing its origins back to biblical times and highlighting key developments in diagnosis and treatment over the centuries. From ancient descriptions in Aristotle's works to modern advancements in dermoscopy and drug treatments, the article emphasizes the ongoing battle against this age-old disease. The text underscores the importance of remaining vigilant in the face of emerging challenges, such as resistance to traditional treatments, while also acknowledging the progress made in understanding and managing scabies. [Extracted from the article]

The article in the International Journal of Dermatology discusses zoonotic dermatologic diseases that can be transmitted from dogs to humans. It highlights lesser-known infections that can cause skin eruptions, systemic symptoms, and potentially life-threatening syndromes. The review emphasizes the importance of early diagnosis, especially in high-risk populations such as children under five, the elderly, pregnant women, and immunocompromised patients. Preventative measures include proper hand hygiene, avoiding direct contact with animal waste, and early diagnosis in pets. [Extracted from the article]

This article discusses a case of bullous demodicosis, a skin condition caused by the excessive proliferation of Demodex mites. The patient, a 30-year-old Caucasian woman, experienced non-pruritic blisters around her mouth for four years. Despite various treatments, including antiparasitic drugs, the condition persisted. Eventually, weekly doses of oral ivermectin and topical metronidazole led to a complete remission. This case is unusual because bullous demodicosis is typically seen in immunocompromised individuals, and further research is needed to understand the factors influencing the mites' proliferation and effective treatment options. [Extracted from the article]

Patient/blogger videos were less likely to recommend consulting a healthcare professional than dermatologist (17.9% vs. 73.1%, respectively; I P i < 0.001) or nondermatologist physician videos (17.9% vs. 62.5%, respectively; I P i = 0.006). Dermatologist videos were more likely to discuss systemic conditions than patient/blogger videos (0.31 vs. 0, respectively; I P i = 0.001) and as likely to discuss systemic conditions as nondermatologist physician videos (0.31 vs. 0.15, respectively; I P i = 0.14). Patient/blogger videos had a higher percentage of videos that were financially biased than dermatologist (37.5% vs. 3.8%, respectively; I P i = 0.003) or nondermatologist physician videos (37.5% vs. 0%, respectively; I P i < 0.001). [Extracted from the article]

Background: Due to their genetic characteristics and their high exposure to infectious diseases, Maroons are likely to suffer from a specific spectrum of skin diseases. However, skin disorders have never been explored in this population. We aimed to describe all skin diseases in Maroon villages of the Maroni region in French Guiana. Methods: This retrospective study concerned all patients who consulted in the remote health centers of Apatou, Grand‐Santi, Papaichton, and Maripasoula between October 5, 2017, and June 30, 2020. We included all patients registered with a skin disorder (International Classification of Diseases) in the medical database. We excluded patients whose diagnosis was invalidated after cross‐checking by a dermatologist. Results: A total of 4741 patients presented at least one skin disease, for 6058 different disorders. Nonsexually transmitted infections represented 71.6% of all diagnoses, followed by inflammatory diseases (9.8%) and bites/envenomations (4.6%). The three most frequent conditions were scabies, abscesses, and impetigo. Besides scabies, neglected tropical diseases (NTDs) were still prevalent as we reported 13 cases of leprosy and 63 cutaneous leishmaniasis. Atopic dermatitis (AD) represented only 2.5% of our diagnoses. Conclusions: With the exception of AD, which was less frequent among Maroons, these results are similar to those previously reported in Amerindians. Therefore, a common exposure to rainforest pathogens seems to induce a common spectrum of skin diseases dominated by infections. The high prevalence of NTDs requires specific public health actions. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Dermatologic disease is a neglected public health challenge that disproportionately affects resource‐poor settings. Globally, dermatologic disease contributes the fourth highest burden of nonfatal disability with the most acute impact in the Oceanic region, including the Republic of Palau. Efforts to address the dermatologic health inequality are hindered without the necessary epidemiologic evidence to guide health policy in the resource‐poor setting of Palau. Methods: We conducted a 4‐year cross‐sectional study of all Dermatology Service patients in the Belau National Hospital and outreach community health centers from 2015 to 2018. No other specialized dermatology service was available. Skin disease was classified by both diagnosis and Global Burden of Disease criteria and analyzed by age, gender, region, and surrounding Oceanic nations. Results: The study enrolled 494 patients comprising 179 males and 315 females between 2015 and 2018. The most prevalent diseases were eczema (48.8%), superficial fungal infection (24.5%), and pruritus (22.7%). The neglected tropical disease of scabies was detected in four patients. Males were significantly more likely to present with cellulitis, keratinocyte carcinoma, stasis dermatitis, wounds, marine‐related dermatitis, viral skin disease, tinea faciei, verruca, and xerosis and females with melasma and hyperpigmentation. Conclusion: This study presents the first primary epidemiologic data describing the prevalence of dermatologic disease in the Palauan adult population. The significant burden of disease in Palau compared with other Oceanic nations validates ongoing dermatology services and informs public health implications for resource allocation and disease management to achieve health equality in the resource‐poor nation. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This article discusses the potential of artificial intelligence (AI) in addressing skin disorders and healthcare disparities among undocumented immigrants. Skin disorders are a global public health concern that affects individuals regardless of their background, but undocumented immigrants often face barriers to accessing healthcare services. AI can play a transformative role by improving dermatological diagnosis and treatment through AI-driven tools and telemedicine platforms. However, it is important to address potential biases in these technologies and integrate AI with low-cost treatment options to ensure equitable healthcare delivery. The article emphasizes the need for inclusive healthcare policies to ensure that everyone, including undocumented immigrants, has access to high-quality healthcare services. [Extracted from the article]

Background: In addition to general measures, pharmacological treatment is the basis of the management of scabies. No recent data in real‐life are available on the efficacy and safety of 10% benzyl benzoate emulsion for skin application administered as monotherapy. Method: This prospective, multicenter, French observational study comprised a registry and a prospective cohort with a follow‐up at 28 days and a telephone call at week 12. To participate in the registry, patients had to be over 1 month old, ambulatory, presenting common, nonhyperkeratotic, untreated scabies. To be included in the cohort, patients had to be included in the registry and treated with two applications of 10% benzyl benzoate emulsion 8 days apart. The primary endpoint was cure at day 28. Results: Of the 186 patients included in the registry, 116 were included in the cohort. Fourteen patients were included in the cohort without being included in the registry, which led to a total of 130 patients in the cohort. At day 28, 119/130 (91.5%; 95% CI 85.4–95.6%) were clinically cured. The cure was confirmed by dermoscopy in 44/47 patients (93%). Among the 130 patients, the cure rate was 82% at week 12. Of the 119 patients cured at day 28, the rate of cure at week 12 was 89.9%. Conclusion: In real life, two applications of 10% benzyl benzoate emulsion 8 days apart provides high cure rates in patients with common scabies. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Scabies, caused by the Sarcoptes scabiei var hominis mite burrowing into the skin, is a highly contagious disease characterized by intense nocturnal itching. Its global impact is considerable, affecting more than 200 million individuals annually and posing significant challenges to healthcare systems worldwide. Transmission occurs primarily through direct skin-to-skin contact, contributing to its widespread prevalence and emergence as a substantial public health concern affecting large populations. This review presents consensus-based clinical practice guidelines for diagnosing and managing scabies, developed through the fuzzy Delphi method by dermatology, parasitology, pediatrics, pharmacology, and public health experts. The presence of burrows containing adult female mites, their eggs, and excreta is the diagnostic hallmark of scabies. Definitive diagnosis typically involves direct microscopic examination of skin scrapings obtained from these burrows, although dermoscopy has become a diagnostic tool in clinical practice. Treatment modalities encompass topical agents, such as permethrin, balsam of Peru, precipitated sulfur, and benzyl benzoate. In cases where topical therapy proves inadequate or in instances of crusted scabies, oral ivermectin is recommended as a systemic treatment option. This comprehensive approach addresses the diagnostic and therapeutic challenges associated with scabies, optimizing patient care, and management outcomes., (© 2024 The Author(s). International Journal of Dermatology published by Wiley Periodicals LLC on behalf of the International Society of Dermatology.)

This article discusses the use of sulfur 17% ointment as a topical treatment for scabies in children. Scabies is a contagious skin disease caused by mites, and the current first-line treatment is permethrin 5% cream. However, there has been a reduction in efficacy with this treatment in recent years. The authors report their experience with sulfur 17% ointment in 22 pediatric patients and found that it was successful in treating scabies without any side effects. They suggest that sulfur ointment could be a safe and effective alternative treatment for scabies. [Extracted from the article]

Avian mite dermatitis: an Italian case indicating the establishment and spread of Ornithonyssus bursa (Acari: Gamasida: Macronyssidae) (Berlese, 1888) in Europe. Dear Editor, The tropical fowl mite I Ornithonyssus bursa i (Berlese, 1888) (Acarina: Macronyssidae) is an obligate hematophagous ectoparasite of wild and domestic birds.1 This mite is widespread in tropical and subtropical areas, although it has been occasionally detected in temperate ones.1 In Europe, this mite has been rarely reported as responsible for the avian mite dermatitis, commonly named gamasoidosis, also related to ectoparasitic mesostigmatic mites such as I Dermanyssus i spp. and other I Ornithonyssus i spp.2 A 55-year-old man from Sardinia (Italy) was admitted to our outpatient clinic for itchy papular eruption, with some lesions centered by tiny vesicles or hematic crusts, which started in late spring and relapsed several times in summer. [Extracted from the article]

Scabies is a highly contagious, intensely pruritic skin infestation caused by Sarcoptes scabiei var hominis. It has high prevalence in many tropical countries where crowded people live in resource‐poor settings. The rash is distributed differently in adults and children. Adults manifest lesions primarily on the interdigital web spaces of the hands, flexor aspects of the wrists, dorsal feet, axillae, elbows, waist, buttocks, and genitalia. Palms (along with soles and head) are commonly involved in infants and very young children but typically absent in older age groups. Here, we report 25 older children and adult patients with scabies including involvement of the palms. If patients are left untreated for long periods of time in hot tropical climates, scabies may produce severe infestation with involvement of palms in older children and adults. We should acknowledge palms as potential body sites whose involvement warrants early and aggressive treatment in scabies. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Scabies is a pruritic skin condition transmitted by Sarcoptic mites. A moderately strong correlation was observed between scabies word usage frequency and data from Savin et al.[6] on the percentage of patients admitted with scabies to the Edinburgh Skin Dispensary (1896-1960) (rs = 0.44) and for the Edinburgh Royal Infirmary (1908-1960) (rs = 0.58). The sampling interval was divided by this amount to obtain the cycle length.[5] Figure 1a shows scabies word frequency usage in the British English corpus from 1800 to 2019. [Extracted from the article]

Background: Background Skin Neglected Tropical Diseases (NTDs) are a group of ten diseases often co‐endemic in African rural communities and characterized by primary skin involvement. If not diagnosed and treated promptly, they can lead to long‐term disfigurement, disability, stigmatization, and socioeconomic loss. Scabies is a parasitic disease and it was added in 2017 to the World Health Organization's (WHO) list of NTDs. Skin NTDs comorbidities differ according to the local diseases burden and are associated to other poverty‐related illnesses. Methods: We report a case series of scabies and comorbidities in children from rural Ethiopia aimed at highlighting diagnostic challenges. Results: We propose an epidemiological framework to the integrated skin NTDs approach at a community level. Conclusion: This bottleneck approach may significantly reduce skin diseases burden in rural communities, prevent long‐term disabilities, and contain costs. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Due to their genetic characteristics, their isolation in rainforest areas, and their traditional way of life, Amerindian populations are likely to suffer from a specific spectrum of dermatoses. However, there are few available data on such skin disorders. Our aims were to describe all skin disorders in two Amerindian villages of French Guiana. Methods: This retrospective study concerned all patients who consulted in the Health Centres of Camopi and Trois‐Sauts between July 1, 2017, and December 31, 2018. We included all patients classified with an ICD code linked to a skin disorder. All medical records were cross‐checked by two dermatologists to correct misclassifications. Results: A total of 639 patients formed the study population, for 866 different skin disorders. Non‐sexually transmitted infections represented 57.6% of all skin disorders, followed by eczema (11.5%) and bites/envenomations (9.1%). Bacteria were responsible for 238 skin infections, followed by fungi (141 cases) and parasites (69 cases, including 43 scabies, nine cutaneous leishmaniasis, and two tungiasis). We reported a low prevalence of sexually transmitted infections (10 cases) and an absence of skin cancers. Conclusions: This study revealed the absence of skin cancer in the Amerindian population of the Upper Oyapock and the important burden of infectious and animal‐related diseases. Future studies should assess a possible underestimation of sexually transmitted diseases in this area. Public health policies should target neglected diseases such as cutaneous leishmaniasis, tungiasis, scabies, and envenomations. Atopic dermatitis was a significant and unexpected cause of consultations. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

2020; 183 (5): 808 - 20. https://doi.org/10.1111/bjd.18943 2 Cubiró X, Garcia-Melendo C, Tubau-Prims C, Puig L. Nodular scabies mimicking breast cancer skin metastasis. Line-field confocal optical coherence tomography for the diagnosis of nodular scabies mimicking breast cancer skin metastasis We report the case to highlight that LC-OCT should be considered a useful tool for the diagnosis of human scabies, in order to avoid biopsy in doubtful cases. [Extracted from the article]

Crusted scabies represents a clinical challenge, because it can present with a severe and atypical course in immunosuppressed patients.[[2]] Additionally, superposition with a simultaneous infection in the same site can generate diagnostic confusion, inadequate treatments, and risk of secondary irreversible sequelae.[[4]] Note the important delay in the diagnosis and the unfortunate final result of the patients; only one patient presented a localized form with successful treatment. As for the treatment, there are no specific recommendations for SH, and we followed the management guidelines for HSV infections and CS[[1], [3], [8]] with oral ivermectin as a gold standard therapy. Although the microbiological agents of SH are widely known, this emerging clinical form of CS in immunosuppressed patients can imitate multiple clinical conditions, delay their diagnosis, and threaten the patient's life. [Extracted from the article]

Background: Scabies is a parasitic skin disease. Its clinical diagnosis may be challenging. Methods: In a prospective observational study, we enrolled all consecutive patients ≥16 years of age with a presumptive diagnosis of scabies and all patients ≥16 years of age with a diffuse itchy dermatosis lasting for more than 1 week. We investigated whether patients with scabies were more prone to scratch themselves during the consultation than patients with other pruritic dermatoses. Results: We observed that a significant proportion of patients (25/62, 40%) with scabies had to scratch while talking or being examined. This clinical sign was less frequently noticed in patients with pruritic dermatoses of other origins (26/196, 13%) (P < 0.001). Conclusions: The observation of a patient scratching himself during the consultation should prompt serious consideration of scabies. This easily observable clinical sign may be especially useful in low‐resource settings, where scabies is known to be very prevalent. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

A 2-month-old indigenous Australian boy presented with an isolated papular rash with hypopigmented and pearled micropapules over his posterior right shoulder (Fig.). Diagnosis Scabies infestation ( I Sarcoptes scabiei i mite spread). Scabies is a common parasitic skin infestation caused by the I Sarcoptes scabiei i mite, often presenting as an intensely pruritic, papular rash. [Extracted from the article]

Background Skin disorders are prevalent on primary care medical service trips in Latin America and the Caribbean and commonly include scabies, superficial mycoses, and pyoderma. There have been no previous attempts to describe protocols that international volunteer clinicians use in managing these patients. The purpose of this study was to collect North American clinical protocols used by sending organizations in their volunteer operations in Latin America and the Caribbean, summarize the most common pharmacologic and nonpharmacologic management strategies, and compare these to published international practice recommendations. Methods A systematic web search was used to identify North American medical service trip-sending organizations. Clinical protocols were downloaded from their websites, and organizations were directly contacted to request protocols that were not published online. The protocols obtained were summarized, analyzed thematically, and compared to existing international guidelines. Results Of 225 organizations contacted, 112 (49.8%) responded, and 31 of these (27.7%) claimed to possess protocols for their trips, of which 20 were obtained and analyzed. Ten (50%) protocols discussed scabies, eight (40%) discussed superficial mycoses, and five (25%) discussed pyoderma. The protocols discussed clinical assessment, pharmacologic and nonpharmacologic management with variable degrees of accuracy and thoroughness, and with important omissions when compared to international guidelines. None were the product of systematic literature searches, and most were not referenced. Conclusions To avoid ineffective treatment and related harms, context-specific clinical guidelines are needed for volunteer clinicians practicing in remote international settings, and such guidelines should be based on best evidence and stakeholder consensus. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

A systematic review of scabies transmission models and data to evaluate the cost-effectiveness of scabies interventions. Dear Editor, Scabies is a disease caused by I Sarcoptes scabiei i var. I hominis i . Although we observed a turnaround between the percentage of sexual prevalence of positive patients (Table 1) during the two considered periods, before March 2020 there was a prevalence of positive female patients (46.88% vs. 50.12-53.13%); contrariwise, since that time, a prevalence of positive male patients was observed (55.20% vs. 40.10-44.80%). [Extracted from the article]

Scabies, known colloquially as the 7-year itch, is a contagious skin infection that occurs among humans and other animals. The treatment of choice is still controversial. The aim of this study was to compare the efficacy and safety of topical ivermectin vs. crotamiton cream 10% for the treatment of scabies. In total, 340 patients with scabies were enrolled, and randomized into two groups. The first group received 1% ivermectin applied topically to the affected skin. The dose employed was 400 μg/kg, repeated once the following week, and the second group received crotamiton 10% cream and were told to apply this twice daily for five consecutive days. Treatment was evaluated at intervals of two and four weeks, and if there was treatment failure at the 2-week follow-up, treatment was repeated. Two applications of topical ivermectin provided a cure rate of 64.7% at the 2-week follow-up, which increased to 82.3% at the 4-week follow-up after repeating the treatment. Treatment with single applications of crotamiton cream 10% was effective in 41.2% of patients at the 2-week follow-up, which increased to 64.7% at the 4-week follow-up after this treatment was repeated. Ivermectin was quite safe in our cases. Two applications of ivermectin were as effective as single applications of crotamiton 10% cream at the 2-week follow-up. After repeating the treatment, ivermectin was superior to crotamiton cream 10% at the 4-week follow-up. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background Scabies has been estimated to affect approximately 300 million people worldwide each year. Scabies rates are high and pose a significant public health problem in Fiji. Community-based comparison treatment trials have not been undertaken. We estimated scabies prevalence and compared the efficacy and tolerability of mass drug administration ( MDA) of benzyl benzoate lotion ( BB) or oral ivermectin ( IVM) in two villages in Fiji. Methods A prospective MDA trial was undertaken in two Fijian villages, comparing three daily applications of BB with single dose IVM or permethrin cream for those aged under two years. The therapies were offered to all community members regardless of the presence of scabies or its symptoms. The difference in prevalence was measured before and after the intervention and absolute risk reduction ( ARR) and relative risk ( RR) calculated. Results In the BB group, there were 572 eligible participants, of whom 435 (76%) enrolled and 201 (46%) returned for follow-up. In the IVM group, there were 667 eligible participants, of whom 325 (49%) enrolled and 126 (39%) returned. Scabies prevalence was lower after the intervention in both groups. It fell from 37.9 to 20.0% ( ARR 18.0%; RR 0.52) in the BB group and from 23.7 to 9.5% ( ARR 14.2%; RR 0.40) in the IVM group. Conclusions Our study provides proof of principle that MDA for scabies can reduce scabies prevalence at the community level, and that there was no significant difference in this trial between BB and oral IVM. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Diagnosis Scabies with secondary vasculitis (scabietic vasculitis). Physical examination revealed multiple itchy erythematous to violaceous macules and papules with petechiae/purpura and excoriations over the torso, buttocks, and extremities (Fig. In conclusion, scabietic vasculitis should be considered in a patient with cutaneous vasculitis of undetermined cause presenting with intense pruritis and a history suggestive of scabietic infestation. [Extracted from the article]

Scabies prevalence remains unacceptably high in many regions throughout the world. Infestation with scabies significantly impacts quality of life and is linked to pyoderma and consequently to severe long-term sequelae such as post-streptococcal glomerulonephritis. In the past, control programs using topical treatments have met with poor compliance; however, the highly effective oral agent ivermectin may offer a new paradigm in scabies management. Problems still exist with insensitive diagnostic tests, questions concerning mite reservoirs, and restrictions on who can receive ivermectin. Despite these difficulties, the elimination of scabies in communities worst affected may soon be possible. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background Scabies is highly prevalent in resource-poor communities in developing countries and is associated with considerable morbidity in this setting. How the parasitic skin disease impairs the quality of life of patients has rarely been investigated. Methodology A modified Dermatology Life Quality Index (mDLQI) was developed to assess the quality of life in adults and children with scabies living in an urban slum in Fortaleza, capital of Ceará State, Brazil. A total of 105 patients with scabies (58 children and 57 adults) were included in the study. The diagnosis was made by dermatoscopy, skin scraping, and adhesive film test. Results Feelings of shame was the restriction most frequently noted (adults 77.2% and children 46.6%). Other types of quality of life impairment were the need to dress differently (35.1 vs. 29.3%), restriction on leisure activities (24.6 vs. 36.8%), social exclusion (24.6 vs. 17.9%), stigmatization (21.1 vs. 25.0%), teasing (only children: 26.3%), and problems with sexual partners (only adults: 10.9%). Women and girls perceived more restrictions than men and boys. mDLQI scores indicated that 13.9% of the patients noticed a large or very large effect on their life, 65.2% considered their quality of life lightly or moderately reduced by scabies, and 20.9% did not feel any restrictions. The degree of impairment increased parallel to the degree of itching and severity of scabies ( P = 0.003). Limitations Owing to active case finding, most of the patients were in an early phase of scabies, and clinical pathology was not very pronounced. Conclusion Scabies considerably impaired the quality of life in adults and children living in poverty in an urban slum. Females particularly suffered from restrictions. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Head lice are transmitted by head to head contact. Optimal therapy includes malathion lotion 0.5% repeated in one week left on for 30 minutes to 8 hours. Spinosad topical suspension 0.9% repeated in one week left on for 10 minutes is another option. Scabies is transmitted mainly by direct contact but also via heavily infested fomites due to crusted scabies. Permethrin 5% cream to the body repeated in four days is often sufficient; however, scalp treatment with malathion lotion 0.5% is helpful in crusted scabies and in infested children. Oral ivermectin 200 mcg/kg is another option, repeated in four days. For scabies more than lice, fomites should be placed in a drier at 60 °C for 10 minutes to kill the arthropods. Treatment of close contacts in both cases will control outbreaks and repeated infestations. Both have been associated with methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus infection. Bed bugs are a common cause for papular urticaria. Identification of the insect in the mattress or bedding confirms the diagnosis. Prevention involves encasing the mattress in a sealed plastic cover and extermination. Delusions of parasitosis is a diagnosis of exclusion that is best treated with an antipsychotic. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Human T-lymphotropic virus type 1 (HTLV-1) is a type C retrovirus primarily endemic to Japan, Central and South America, the Middle East, regions of Africa, and the Caribbean. Currently, an estimated 10-20 million people worldwide are infected with this virus. Although the majority of infected individuals remain asymptomatic, HTLV-1 is the causative agent of a number of disorders, notably adult T-cell leukemia/lymphoma (ATLL) and a progressive demyelinating neurological disorder, HTLV-1-associated myelopathy/tropical spastic paraparesis (HAM/TSP). In addition to ATLL and HAM/TSP, HTLV-1 has been associated with a spectrum of skin disorders, such as infective dermatitis associated with HTLV-1, crusted scabies, and leprosy. The understanding of the interaction between virus and host response has improved markedly, but there are still few treatment options. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background Information on patterns of skin diseases in Egypt is scanty. Methods The medical records of patients attending dermatology outpatient clinics at Ain Shams University Hospitals from January 2001 to December 2001 were retrieved. Valid data of 7528 patients were included in the study. Demographic data (age and sex) and diagnoses of skin disease were extracted, coded, and analyzed. Results Patients' attendance revealed mean age of 23.5 ± 15.6 years and female predominance in a female to male ratio of 1.6:1. Most patients presented in summer (40.7%). Infections constituted most of the dermatoses (45.4%), and scabies was the most common disease (9.26%). Hypersensitivity diseases came after (22%) and, interestingly, the dermatitis subgroup (12.94%) followed fungal infections (15.83%) immediately, preceding other infection subgroups. Females predominated in most dermatoses. Urticaria predominated in infants, bacterial infections in preschool stage, fungal infections in school and young adult stages, and dermatitis in old adult and geriatric stages. Fungal infections predominated in all seasons. The peak presentation of all diseases was in summer except urticaria that was represented more in spring. Conclusion Dermatitis preceded many infectious diseases as an index of the development and urbanization of a community. However, infections still represent the most common dermatoses. Fortunately, they are potentially controllable and, therefore, healthcare strategies that target infections may represent the key for an efficient national healthcare program. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Dermatoscopy (DE) is a noninvasive technique that allows a rapid and magnified in vivo observation of the skin surface with the visualization of morphologic features invisible to the naked eye. It is performed using manual devices without computer assistance, which generally allows ×10 magnifications. Videodermatoscopy (VD) represents the evolution of DE and is performed using a video camera equipped with optic fibers and lenses that currently allow magnifications ranging from ×10 to ×1000. Both DE and VD have been demonstrated to have further applications in dermatology apart from their use in differential diagnosis of pigmented skin lesions. In several disorders, they may be useful in differential diagnosis, prognostic evaluation, and in evaluating the response to treatment. This article focuses on the use of DE and VD in therapeutic follow-up. Although VD systems using high magnifications may not be cost-effective in all cases, VD represents a more reliable noninvasive and easy-to-use tool in therapeutic follow-up both for in-office dermatology as well as for clinical investigations. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The article presents ancient medical texts that document how itchiness were dealt that leads to the development of modern technology. It states that in the byzantine period, Alexander of Tralleis in his "Therapeutics" recommended a remedy for scabby and conditions of the head. It adds that the "Lorsch Book of Remedies" has instructions for the formulation and drug application for internal and external use in scabies and itch.

The article discusses a case report on scabies superimposed on skin lesions of adult T-cell leukemia/lymphoma. Scabies is a contagious skin disease caused by Sarcoptes scabiei. On examination, the patient had multiple solid papules on the trunk and four limbs. There was neither lymphadenopathy nor epatosplenomegaly.

Dear Editor, The reflectance confocal microscopy (RCM) is an innovative technique that allows I in vivo i visualization in horizontal cuts of the upper layers of the skin and of the cutaneous appendages.1-2 The method is already well established in the evaluation of cutaneous pigmented lesions to differentiate between benign melanocytic nevus and cutaneous melanoma, and between nonmelanoma skin cancer and melanoma.1-2 In addition, a growing number of other indications have been described for the diagnosis and the monitoring of inflammatory, infectious and parasitic dermatologic diseases.3,4 There are some reports that describe mites and other parasites by RCM. Another reason would be because the epidermis of the neck is thinner when compared to the epidermis of the face,6 which would allow the visualization of the I Demodex' i head and neck. [Extracted from the article]

AbstractBackground Some studies have addressed the epidemiology of scabies among rural populations in developing countries; however, the epidemiology of scabies among the rural population in Egypt is unknown. We sought to determine the magnitude of scabies infestation in an Egyptian village and to evaluate the control measures after 1 year. Methods This study was carried out on 3147 residents of Mit-Moaned village in Dakahlia governorate, Egypt. It was a cross-sectional follow-up study where the same individuals examined in round I were re-examined in round III. The two rounds were separated by a period of 1 year, during which infested patients were followed up and new cases were discovered (round II). Patients and their household contacts received treatment with topical permethrin. Patients showing resistance to permethrin received a single oral dose of ivermectin. Results In round III, the overall prevalence rate of scabies was reduced from 5.4% in round I to 1.1%. The incidence of new cases among susceptible persons during round II was 1.1%. Scabies was significantly (P < 0.05) more prevalent among families of large size, high crowding index at night, low socioeconomic standards, and those receiving their water supply from a hand pump. Children younger than 10 years showed the highest prevalence. Conclusions Our data provide the first complete picture of the epidemiology of scabies in rural Egypt. The epidemiologic characteristics of the disease should be considered in the design of disease control programs for other villages with scabies epidemics. Our findings revealed that good control was achieved with the following: increased awareness and better case finding, education of the staff at the rural health unit, improved hygiene measures, and massive treatment campaigns using effective drugs such as topical permethrin and oral ivermectin. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]