Pseudouremic pruritus: a scabies epidemic in a dialysis unit

Abstract

A scabies epidemic was studied in a university hospital dialysis unit. Itching in patients was initially attributed to uremic pruritus, and diagnosis of the epidemic was delayed until cases occurred among the staff. Sixteen cases (seven patients and nine staff) were identified by survey questionnaire and dermatologic examination. Application of 1% lindane lotion (Kwell, Reed and Carnrick, Piscataway, NJ) to all patients dialyzed in the unit and the entire staff eradicated the epidemic. A dialysis unit-associated nosocomial scabies epidemic has not been reported before and may mimic uremic pruritus in dialysis patients.