A Retrospective Study of Scabietic Medical Workers Exposed to a Norwegian Scabies Patient

Abstract

Objectives: Scabies is one of the commonest skin disorders in developing world especially in poor, overcrowded tropical areas. The purpose of our study is to provide data of scabietic patients who works in Vajira hospital and had direct contact with Norwegian scabies patient as well as review of the current update on diagnosis and management of scabies.

Methods: We retrospectively reviewed the data of 38 patients who had been exposed to the same Norwegian scabies patient in Vajira hospital and came to Dermatology Unit. The statistical analysis was made by using descriptive statistical analysis. Visual analog scale was used for grading of pruritus.

Results: Of 38 patients reviewed, 25 were females. All of the patients were coming with pruritus which manifested prominently as nocturnal pruritus. The majority of the effected medical workers were the nurse (68%). Papular lesions with or without excoriation were commonly seen and eight patients were affected by secondary bacterial infection. Visual analog scale at score eight out of ten was most commonly found.

Conclusion: We did report the data of 38 medical workers who had been exposed to crusted scabies patient and were diagnosed as scabies. Nurse was the majority type of workers that was affected. Pruritus was found in all of the patients. The most common type of skin lesions was papules with or without excoriation. The visual analog scale of pruritic symptom in most of our patients was eight out of ten. Treatment for our patients was mainly the combination of oral Ivermectin and topical Benzyl benzoate. No report of reinfection in our patients.