Scabies: a comprehensive review of clinical, diagnostic, and therapeutic aspects

Abstract

Scabies, also known as sarcoptes, is a cutaneous infection caused by the mite Sarcoptes scabiei, which burrows into the upper layer of the skin and induces an intense inflammatory response. This condition is characterized by severe itching, particularly at night, skin eruptions, and often secondary lesions due to persistent scratching. This article provides a comprehensive review of the clinical, diagnostic, and therapeutic aspects of scabies, emphasizing the critical importance of early identification and appropriate treatment to prevent outbreaks and complications. Scabies is highly contagious and can spread rapidly in high-density environments such as care institutions and communities with poor sanitary conditions. The article discusses the importance of early detection of scabies to prevent both the worsening of symptoms and secondary complications, such as bacterial infections resulting from constant scratching. Diagnosis of scabies can be challenging due to symptom overlap with other dermatological conditions. The review explores current diagnostic methods, including skin scraping for microscopic examination and advanced molecular tests like PCR, which assist in confirming the infection in difficult cases. Treatment options such as topical permethrin and oral ivermectin are discussed, highlighting the efficacy of each approach and the importance of simultaneous treatment of close contacts to prevent reinfection. In addition to clinical and therapeutic aspects, the article underscores the need for stringent control measures and continued research to address challenges related to scabies. Growing concerns about treatment resistance complicate disease management, indicating the need for further studies to develop new therapeutic options and effective prevention strategies to improve outbreak responses and reduce scabies prevalence in different populations.