Update on the diagnosis, treatment and prevention of Norwegian Scabies

Abstract

Introduction: Norwegian scabies is an ectoparasitosis, much more common in immunosuppressed patients than in the general population. It is characterized by the large number of parasites that the lesions harbor, which is why it is highly contagious and difficult to treat. Objective: update on the diagnosis, treatment and prevention of Norwegian scabies. Methods: a bibliographic review was carried out on the diagnosis, treatment and prevention of Norwegian scabies. The search was carried out in open access scientific databases such as PubMed, Scielo, Cochrane and Scopus, scientific articles of medical relevance and books recognized within the scientific community. It was also used in the Google Scholar search engine using keywords such as: Norwegian Scabies, Crusted Scabies, Scabies. Development: the diagnosis of Norwegian scabies has been enhanced thanks to the development of technological tools to detect the presence of the parasite, its nymphs or larvae through a mite test, molecular tests such as RT-PCR and ELISA, and video-dermoscopy. Once the diagnosis is confirmed, a correct pharmacological treatment can be implemented, highlighting the use of topicals together with ivermectin, which provides us with great effectiveness and efficacy. Conclusions: it is a relatively rare type of scabies, which mainly affects immunosuppressed patients. Timely and differential diagnosis, hygienic-sanitary measures with the patient and his environment, preventive prophylaxis, constitute an urgent need to further limit the persistence of the disease. It is essential that new generations of medical professionals are fully aware of this pathology, its clinical diagnosis, treatment and prevention.