Skip to main page content
U.S. flag

An official website of the United States government

Dot gov

The .gov means it’s official.
Federal government websites often end in .gov or .mil. Before sharing sensitive information, make sure you’re on a federal government site.

Https

The site is secure.
The https:// ensures that you are connecting to the official website and that any information you provide is encrypted and transmitted securely.

Access keys NCBI Homepage MyNCBI Homepage Main Content Main Navigation
Review
. 2019 Jun;60(6):281-285.
doi: 10.11622/smedj.2019058.

Management of scabies

Farhad Fakhrudin Vasanwala  1   2 , Chong Yau Ong  3 , Chen Wee Derrick Aw  4 , Choon How How  2   5   6
Affiliations
Review

Management of scabies

Farhad Fakhrudin Vasanwala et al. Singapore Med J. 2019 Jun.

Abstract

Scabies is a common infestation worldwide, affecting persons of any age and socioeconomic status. In Singapore, it is more common in institutions rather than in homes. The two variants are classic scabies and crusted scabies, with the latter having a significantly higher mite burden. Early identification, isolation of index patients and prophylactic treatment of contacts are essential in dealing with the outbreak. Locally, most primary care practitioners make the diagnosis based on visual inspection and clinical examination. A skin scrape is done to confirm the diagnosis, especially in atypical presentations. Scabietic mites, eggs or faeces can be seen on microscopy. The usual treatment for adult scabies in Singapore is the use of topical malathion or permethrin. A combination of topical permethrin and oral ivermectin is used for crusted scabies.

Keywords: mites; sarcoptes; scabies.

PubMed Disclaimer

Figures

Fig. 1
Fig. 1
Photograph shows numerous erythematous papules on (a) the fingers and web spaces and (b) axilla of a patient with classic scabies.
Fig. 2
Fig. 2
Photograph shows hyperkeratotic crusts on the fingers and palms in a nursing home patient with crusted scabies.
Fig. 3
Fig. 3
Photomicrograph of an adult Sarcoptes scabiei.
Box 1
Box 1
Principles of treatment in household, community and institution facilities:
See this image and copyright information in PMC

References

    1. Fuller LC. Epidemiology of scabies. Curr Opin Infect Dis. 2013;26:123–6. - PubMed
    1. Lim JT, Thirumoorthy T. The changing patterns of scabies among in-patients in Singapore (1982-1989) Singapore Med J. 1991;32:121–2. - PubMed
    1. Késmárszky R, Jakkel A, Szabó G. Dermatological aspects of a humanitarian mission. J Allergy Ther. 2016;7:228.
    1. Goldstein BG, Goldstein AO. Scabies:epidemiology, clinical features, and diagnosis. [Accessed May 2, 2019]. Available at: https://www.uptodate.com/contents/scabies-epidemiology-clinical-features... .
    1. Ministry of Health Malaysia. Guideline for management of scabies in adults and children. February 2015. [Accessed May 2, 2019]. Available at: http://www.moh.gov.my/index.php/file_manager/dl_item/ 5232467961584d6755... .