L A Murphy1, C Buckley. 1. Department of Dermatology, Waterford Regional Hospital, Waterford, Ireland.
Abstract
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.
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.