Dermoscopy, reflectance confocal microscopy, and fluorescence staining for the noninvasive diagnosis of crusted scabies

Skin Res Technol. 2022 Mar;28(2):377-378. doi: 10.1111/srt.13132. Epub 2022 Jan 16.

Abstract

A 91-year-old woman presented with a 3-month history of [extensive](javascript:;) cutaneous lesions with intense pruritus. She lived in a nursing home for a long time. Physical examination revealed a generalized erythematous and scaly rash with intense hyperkeratotic lesions on the neck, trunk, and limbs. Dermoscopy showed a sinuous burrow filled with white dot eggs and feces on the hand with a mite at the end of the burrow. Reflectance confocal microscopy (RCM) manifested a sinuous burrow and a mite. The presence of mites was confirmed with fluorescence staining. The patient was diagnosed with crusted scabies and started treatment with 10% sulfur ointment. Her lesions and pruritus were resolved after 2 weeks.

Keywords: dermoscopy; fluorescence staining; noninvasive diagnosis; reflectance confocal microscopy; scabies.

Publication types

  • Case Reports
  • Letter

MeSH terms

  • Aged, 80 and over
  • Dermoscopy / methods
  • Female
  • Humans
  • Microscopy, Confocal / methods
  • Pruritus
  • Scabies* / diagnostic imaging
  • Scabies* / pathology
  • Staining and Labeling