Abstract

DIAGNOSIS, PREVENTION AND TREATMENT OF SCABIES

Payal Chavan*, Nikita Chavan, Shyam Rathod (Assistant Professor)

Abstract

Scabies is a contagious parasitic skin illness caused by Sarcoptes scabiei var. hominis, which affects people of all ages around the world. The infestation develops predominantly by prolonged skin-to-skin contact, and symptoms include strong nocturnal itching, erythematous papulovesicular sores, and distinctive burrows. The disease burden is higher in overcrowded, resource-limited environments, as well as in immunocompromised people, who are more likely to develop severe forms such crusted scabies. The diagnosis is primarily clinical, supported by dermoscopy or microscopic examination of mites, eggs, or fecal pellets. Understanding the mite’s life cycle, transmission patterns, epidemiology, and host immuneresponse is critical for timely discovery and management. Topical medications such as permethrin and lindane are used in treatment, as well as systemic therapy with oral ivermectin. To prevent reinfestation, all close contacts must be treated concurrently. Environmental Decontamination and public health awareness are critical for controlling outbreaks. This study highlights the causal agent, clinical symptoms, diagnostic techniques, and current preventive and treatment strategies for successful scabies care.

Keywords: scabies, permethrin, ivermectin.