Anais Brasileiros de Dermatologia (Oct 2013)

Case for diagnosis

  • Rita Cabral,
  • Ines Coutinho,
  • Jose Pedro Reis

DOI
https://doi.org/10.1590/abd1806-4841.20132430
Journal volume & issue
Vol. 88, no. 5
pp. 826 – 827

Abstract

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Human scabies is an intensely pruritic skin infestation caused by Sarcoptes scabiei var. hominis. Crusted scabies (previously known as Norwegian scabies) is a rare form, very contagious and transmitted by direct contact with the skin. Despite being readily treatable, a delayed diagnosis often leads to widespread infestation of contacts, and therefore difficult to restrain. This case concerns a patient where dermoscopy (with scabetic burrows and a visible hand-glider structure), together with direct microscopic examination, allowed a prompt diagnosis, thereby reinforcing the increasing importance of this technique in daily practice.

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