Skin Infections and Infestations
Infestations: Exoparasites
Pediculus corporis
Pediculosis
Pediculosis
Phthirus pubis
Pediculosis
Pediculosis
| Pediculosis | Major problem in urban areas |
| Etiology: | Pediculus capitis, Pediculus corporis, Pthirus pubis |
| Clinical features: | Head lice: pruritus, lice or nits, occipital lymphadenopathy Body lice: infest seams of clothing, feed at night. Nits are found in seams, not on human hairs. Maculae cerulae - purpuric spots. Pediculosis pubis: lice and nits plainly visible. Eyelash nits are from pubic lice, NOT head lice. |
| Complications: | Pruritus and secondary impetigo Mortality due to infectious diseases transmitted by louse (typhus, infective endocarditis) |
| Prevention: | Community-wide effort needed; fomite control |
Scabies
Sarcoptes scabiei
Etiology: |
Sarcoptes scabiei |
| Clinical features: | Pruritus especially at night. Finger webs, flexor
surfaces of wrists, elbows, genitals. Burrows. In elderly or immunosuppressed: crusted (Norwegian) scabies. Highly contagious, psoriasiform dermatosis, itching is minimal. |
| Complications: | Secondary bacterial infection, eczema |
| Diagnosis: | Skin scrapings of burrows |