Neonatal scabies

B. R. Burns, R. M. Lampe and G. H. Hansen

Scabies contracted during the neonatal period demonstrates a distinct clinical pattern that differs greatly from manifestations seen in older individuals. Involvement of the face, neck, scalp, palms, and soles is a consistent finding, as is the tendency for these lesions to form pustules early in the course of the infestation. Poor feeding and failure to gain weight appropriately are also characteristic features. The skin lesions include erythematous papules, nodular crusts, and putules. The possibility of scabies should be entertained for any young infant who has these findings. Scrapings should be obtained from multiple sites to confirm the diagnosis. In the absence of positive findings for scrapings, examination of close contacts and a careful history should lead to the correct diagnosis.