Problems Related to Control of Epidemic and Persistent Outbreaks ofScabies

Overview

Experience with control of epidemic and persistent outbreaks of scabies in collectives is presented.Both diagnosis and patient’s compliance may pose problems. When diagnosing scabies, not onlyclinical symptoms but also the dynamics of the spread among persons in collective facilities such associal care and psychiatric in-patient centres should be taken into account and efficacy of theantiscabies medication should be followed up. If diagnosis of scabies is confirmed, it is crucial toprescribe an effective antiscabiesmedication andto ensure the patient’s compliance with treatment,including thorough washing of the body each time before application of the medication, throughoutthe whole treatment period instead of treating only the symptoms of secondary eczema.

Key words:
diagnosing scabies – epidemic of scabies – persist entoutbreaks of scabies – sequentialtherapy in collectives.