Ann Dermatol.  2009 May;21(2):200-202. 10.5021/ad.2009.21.2.200.

Scabies in a 2-month-old Infant Successfully Treated with Lindane

• Jin SP
• Choi JE
• Won CH
• Cho S

• KMID: 2219397
• DOI: http://doi.org/10.5021/ad.2009.21.2.200

Abstract

Diagnosis of scabies in young children can be challenging since the morphology and distribution of skin lesions may differ from adults. Therefore, clinicians should keep scabies in mind in their differential diagnosis in a child who presents with severe pruritic, polymorphic skin lesions. Regarding the treatment of scabies, the reported clinical experience with gamma benzene hexachloride (lindane) in young children is quite limited because of its neurotoxicity. However, a recent review suggests that lindane is an excellent alternative drug with minimal risk. We report the case of a 2-month-old male infant with pruritic, erythematous macules, papules, nodules, vesicles, and pustules from the top of the head to the tip of the toes. Initially, he was thought to have impetigo and antibiotics were prescribed. After obtaining a careful history and with the use of skin scraping, he was diagnosed with scabies. He was successfully treated with lindane with no adverse reactions.

Keyword

Infant; Lindane; Scabies

MeSH Terms

Adult
Anti-Bacterial Agents
Child
Diagnosis, Differential
Head
Humans
Impetigo
Infant
Lindane
Male
Scabies
Skin
Toes
Anti-Bacterial Agents
Lindane

Figure

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  Fig. 1 The lesions involved the entire body area, including the face, neck, trunk, palms, and soles.

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  Fig. 2 Conspicuous crusted and excoriated nodules on the infant's hands and fingers.

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