SCABIES
Scabies is a skin condition caused by the human itch mite, Sarcoptes scabiei. It is an extremely itchy infestation that presents with pruritic and erythematous papules along with the characteristic "burrows" in intertriginous areas. The burrows appear as irregular gray tracks and microscopic examination of it may reveal mites, mite eggs or the mite faeces. Affected infants have sterile pustules on their palms and soles and this is known as acropustulosis. It is a contagious disease and can be easily spread via skin to skin contact. This is why any individual who has come in contact with a patient needs to be examined for burrows. Factors that predispose individuals to the risk of scabies include poor hygiene, overcrowding and immune suppressed individuals. It can be treated by using topical scabicides out of which 5% permethrin cream is mostly used. Other treatment options include use of malathion lotion, precipitated Sulphur ointment or benzylbenzoate lotion. Image source: dermnetnz.org