Scabies: Application of the Novel Identify-Isolate-Inform Tool for Detection and Management

Cheng, Tabitha A.; Mzahim, Bandr; Koenig, Kristi L.; Alsugair, Abdulrahman; Al-Wabel, Abdussalam; Almutairi, Bandar Saad; Maysa, Eshmawi; Kahn, Christopher A.

Human scabies is a parasitic skin infection caused by penetration of the ectoparasitic mite Sarcoptes scabiei var. hominis into the epidermis. The lifecycle begins with a female mite laying eggs in the skin burrows. These larvae hatch, create new burrows, and then mature, mate and repeat this cycle. 1 Once infested with scabies mites, symptomatic patients as well as asymptomatic carriers can easily spread the disease. 1, 36 Commonly, transmission occurs from person to person via direct skin contact, including by sexual contact. Because of the asymptomatic period following infestation, transmission can occur prior to symptom onset. 1 In addition, fomite transmission through infested objects such as furniture and clothing is possible, especially with the crusted variant of scabies. 1, 36 Outside the human body and at room temperature with normal humidity, mites can only survive up to 3 days, whereas they are able to live up to 60 days inside human skin. 1,36 Lower temperatures and higher humidity prolong survival of the mite off the host. 23 To prevent transmission within healthcare facilities, patients should be in contact isolation until 8 hours after treatment. 36 Personal protective equipment for healthcare workers treating patients with scabies includes the following: gowns, gloves, and shoe covers. 36 Proper use of infection control measures including handwashing and avoiding skinto-skin contact should also be used when handling patients with potential scabies infestations.