Headlines - Guidance on the Diagnosis and Treatment of Scabies

Scabies has been spreading in France for several years. There is no surveillance system for scabies. Scabies is not a reportable disease and is not included among the conditions monitored by the Sentinelles network. In Burgundy, this resurgence was initially detected through public health surveillance due to an increase in the number of reported scabies cases to the ARS, particularly in group settings. An investigation conducted by the Cire confirmed the spread of the scabies epidemic through the use of scabicides in Burgundy and reimbursements for ivermectin, leading to an estimate close to the national level reported by the InVS’s Department of Infectious Diseases (372 cases of scabies per year per 100,000 inhabitants in Burgundy compared to 337 nationally in 2011, or approximately 6,000 cases per year in total for Burgundy in 2011).The diagnosis and treatment of scabies are challenging. Indeed, the only diagnostic evidence is the visual identification of Sarcoptes mites in a specimen or via dermatoscopy. Diagnosis can be difficult and remains operator-dependent. Treatment must address not only the patient but also, simultaneously, their close contacts and their environment to prevent reinfection. In light of these challenges, the ARS Bourgogne established a regional technical group that developed technical fact sheets intended for physicians and pharmacists, as well as for patients and community facility managers. These fact sheets are available on the ARS Bourgogne website and cover diagnostic assistance, treatment protocols, treatment with scabicides (Ascabiol®, Sprégal®, Stromectol®), the use of the antiparasitic A-Par®, case management in residential facilities, information and advice for people needing treatment for scabies, and reference bibliographic documentation.