Diagnosis and management of scabies in a primary care setting

Human scabies is a parasitic infestation caused by the parasite Sarcoptes scabiei, and is reported to be one of the commonest skin conditions, occurring in countries around the world.  Classical scabies is particularly prevalent among children and the elderly and at least 200 million people worldwide suffer from scabies at any one time.1

Crusted scabies is less common, often affecting those with underlying health conditions. As well as its impact on quality of life, the condition places a burden on health services and economies around the world.

Given the frequency of its occurrence it is very likely nurses and non-medical prescribers will see this condition when seeing patients in their clinics, and it is hoped this article has helped increase knowledge and understanding of this common and problematic skin disease.