Dermoscopic examination of scabies in children-A cross-sectional study

Abstract

Background: Scabies is caused by Sarcoptes, commonly seen in preschool children and adolescents.\xa0Dermoscopy is a technique involving rapid and magnified observation of the skin. Traditionally, we used\xa0history, clinical examination, skin scrapings, and adhesive tests for diagnosis, but recently, dermoscopy has\xa0been an effective non-invasive method. There are very few well-designed studies evaluating the diagnostic\xa0accuracy of dermoscopy in scabies.\nAims and Objectives: To study the dermoscopic findings in scabies and research dermoscopy’s usefulnessin confirming scabies diagnosis in suspected cases.\nMaterials and Methods: This is a cross-sectional study of 100 children aged between 1 – 15 years with\xa0symptoms clinically suspicious of scabies from July 2018 to July 2019. After a proper history, lesions were\xa0examined clinically and with Dermalite DL4 at the seven topographic areas where mite was suspected, and\xa0digital photographs were taken. Any of the signs were considered diagnostic.\nResults: Among 100 children, 82 had clinical signs (burrows) suggestive of scabies, and 96 had\xa0dermoscopic features of scabies. Data analyzed with the Z test, which showed a significant difference (P\xa0 \nConclusion: Handheld Dermoscopy is more sensitive, accurate, non-invasive, painless, non-expensive,\xa0rapid, quick screening of many sites, and a simple technique for diagnosing scabies. Dermoscopy is a more\xa0effective tool in children, as routine skin scrapings can cause anxiety and trauma.\xa0\n\nKeywords:\xa0Dermoscopy,\xa0Sarcoptes,\xa0Scabies,\xa0Skin scrapings.