I developed a spreading itchy skin rash on the chest. Could this be scabies?

Question

Hello doctor,

I have a skin rash and it is very itchy. Exactly eight days back, I had two or three red dots on the chest. I approached the GP. She was not sure since there were only two dots but approximated it could be scabies and advised me to use Lyclear scabies cream (Permethrin 5%). But it seems to spread, and Lyclear seems working. But today, I went to another GP they said it is not scabies.

Kindly guide me.

Answer 1

Hello,

Welcome to icliniq.com.

1. Does itching aggravate at night?

2. Does web spaces of fingers are involved?

3. Do you have similar complaints from family members?

4. Will you scratch or rub the lesion?

Use the cream at night on day 1 and day 7. Apply all over the body below the neck. Use Permite BB bar soap for bath. Take tablet Levocetirizine 5 mg at night for seven days, and Fucidin cream twice daily for seven days. Are you a diabetic? Is there a history of fungal infection in the past or a history of atopy or allergies?

Kindly update with the answers.

Thanks and regards.

Answer 2

Hello,

Welcome back to icliniq.com.

Yes, it is scabies (as night aggravation of itching is a classic sign of scabies). Transmission is facilitated by overcrowding and improper hygiene (it can also spread by close physical contact). The primary lesion is a burrow. Other lesions are papules, nodules, pustules, and vesicles. Excoriation marks are secondary lesions. Single application all over the body below the neck and then wash off Permethrin 5 percent cream after eight to twelve hours and repeat after one week. Clothes and bed linen used should be washed in warm water. Avoid sharing your belongings as it can spread to family members. Maintain proper hygiene. Bath twice daily, add neem leaves or a little liquid Dettol to bathwater. Itching may persist for up to four weeks and usually seven to ten days after treatment.

Hope it helps.

Thanks and regards.