Dermoscopic study of scabies in children

Abstract

Background: Dermoscopy is a technique involving the rapid and magnified observation of the skin. Infection with Sarcoptes scabiei in children usually presents with pruritus. Primary scabetic lesions consist of small, erythematous papules, and burrows. The definitive diagnosis of scabies is by visualizing the mites, eggs, or feces under the microscope. Aims and Objectives: The aim of the study was to compare the diagnosis of scabies in children with naked eye examination and a dermoscope. The objective was to find out if there was a significant difference between the two methods of diagnosis of scabies. Subjects and Methods: A cross-sectional study was done. Fifty children aged between 1–15 years with symptoms clinically suspicious of scabies from May 15, 2016 to May 14, 2017 were taken. Thirty were male and 20 were female. After taking history, the lesions were examined clinically and with Dermalite DL4 and photographs were taken. A triangular structure with a furrowing burrow was considered to indicate the presence of a mite. Results: Among 50 children, 37 children had clinical features of scabies: the presence of burrows and scabetic nodules. Among 50, 45 children had dermoscopic features of scabies: the presence of the delta glider sign. The data were analyzed using Z- test using MS Excel 2010. There was a significant difference (P < 0.03) on comparing the number of children diagnosed with scabies with naked eye and dermoscopic examination. Conclusion: A handheld dermoscope can be a useful tool to rapidly and non invasively diagnose scabies with high sensitivity compared to Clinical Examination.

Keywords

• Delta glider sig
• dermoscopy
• scabies