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Case for diagnosis* * Work performed at the Dermatology Department, Coimbra University Hospital, Coimbra, Portugal.

Caso para diagnóstico

Human scabies is an intensely pruritic skin infestation caused by Sarcoptes scabiei var. hominis. Crusted scabies (previously known as Norwegian scabies) is a rare form, very contagious and transmitted by direct contact with the skin. Despite being readily treatable, a delayed diagnosis often leads to widespread infestation of contacts, and therefore difficult to restrain. This case concerns a patient where dermoscopy (with scabetic burrows and a visible hand-glider structure), together with direct microscopic examination, allowed a prompt diagnosis, thereby reinforcing the increasing importance of this technique in daily practice.

Dermoscopy; Pruritus; Scabies; Skin diseases; parasitic


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