A 29-year-old man is being assessed for a skin rash that has been affecting his hands, feet, and scalp for the past two weeks. The rash is moderately pruritic and has deteriorated with time. The patient has a history of HIV and is not taking antiretroviral medication. An inspection of the skin reveals erythematous areas with scales and crusting. A rash biopsy reveals organisms burrowed in the epidermis, as seen below: Which of the following is the most appropriate treatment for this patient?

Question

A 29-year-old man is being assessed for a skin rash that has been affecting his hands, feet, and scalp for the past two weeks. The rash is moderately pruritic and has deteriorated with time. The patient has a history of HIV and is not taking antiretroviral medication. An inspection of the skin reveals erythematous areas with scales and crusting. A rash biopsy reveals organisms burrowed in the epidermis, as seen below:  Which of the following is the most appropriate treatment for this patient?

Quizplus · Accepted Answer

Eductional Objective: Scabies is an illness caused by a human mite that causes a pruritic papular rash with excoriations and burrows. Patients with poor cell-mediated immunity (for example, HIV) may have a high mite load. In most cases, topical permethrin and/or ivermectin treatment is curative.

A 29-Year-Old Man Is Being Assessed for a Skin Rash