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. 2020 Feb 21;21(2):191-198.
doi: 10.5811/westjem.2020.1.46120.

Scabies: Application of the Novel Identify-Isolate-Inform Tool for Detection and Management

Tabitha A Cheng  1 , Bandr Mzahim  2 , Kristi L Koenig  3   4 , Abdulrahman Alsugair  2 , Abdussalam Al-Wabel  2 , Bandar Saad Almutairi  5 , Eshmawi Maysa  2 , Christopher A Kahn  1
Affiliations

Scabies: Application of the Novel Identify-Isolate-Inform Tool for Detection and Management

Tabitha A Cheng et al. West J Emerg Med. .

Abstract

Scabies is a highly contagious, globally prevalent, parasitic skin infestation caused by Sarcoptes scabiei var. hominis, also known as the itch mite. There have been outbreaks not only in the developing world, but also in the developed world among refugees and asylum seekers. Once infested with scabies mites, symptomatic patients, as well as asymptomatic carriers, quickly spread the disease through direct skin-to-skin contact. Typically, symptoms of scabies are characterized by an erythematous, papular, pruritic rash associated with burrows. Treatment of scabies involves using topical or systemic scabicides and treating secondary bacterial infections, if present. Given the prevalence and contagiousness of scabies, measures to prevent its spread are essential. Through application of the novel Identify-Isolate-Inform (3I) Tool, emergency medical providers can readily identify risk factors for exposure and important symptoms of the disease, thus limiting its spread through prompt scabicide therapy; isolate the patient until after treatment; and inform local public health authorities and hospital infection prevention, when appropriate. Ultimately, these three actions can aid public health in controlling the transmission of scabies cases, thus ensuring the protection of the general public from this highly contagious skin infestation.

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Conflict of interest statement

Conflicts of Interest: By the WestJEM article submission agreement, all authors are required to disclose all affiliations, funding sources and financial or management relationships that could be perceived as potential sources of bias. No author has professional or financial relationships with any companies that are relevant to this study. There are no conflicts of interest or sources of funding to declare.

Figures

Figure 1
Figure 1
The Identify, Isolate, Inform (3I) Tool for Scabies.
Figure 2
Figure 2
Scabies burrow ink test.
See this image and copyright information in PMC

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