Korean J Dermatol.
2014 Jul;52(7):457-464.
A Clinical and Epidemiological Study of Scabies in Korea: A Multicenter Prospective Study
- Affiliations
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- 1Department of Dermatology, Seoul National University College of Medicine, Seoul, Korea. hecun@snu.ac.kr
- 2Department of Dermatology, Gachon University Gil Medical Center, Incheon, Korea.
- 3Department of Dermatology, Seoul St. Mary's Hospital, College of Medicine, The Catholic University of Korea, Seoul, Korea.
- 4Department of Dermatology, Kyungpook National University Hospital, Daegu, Korea.
- 5Department of Dermatology and Institute of Health Sciences, School of Medicine, Gyeongsang National University, Jinju, Korea.
- 6Department of Dermatology, College of Medicine, Kyung Hee University, Seoul, Korea.
- 7Department of Dermatology, Keimyung University Dongsan Medical Center, Daegu, Korea.
- 8Department of Dermatology, College of Medicine, Korea University, Seoul, Korea.
- 9Department of Dermatology, Dongguk University Ilsan Hospital, Ilsan, Korea.
- 10Department of Dermatology, Pusan National University Hospital, Busan, Korea.
- 11Department of Dermatology, Seoul National University Boramae Medical Center, Seoul, Korea.
- 12Department of Dermatology, Asan Medical Center, University of Ulsan College of Medicine, Seoul, Korea.
- 13Department of Dermatology, Samsung Medical Center, Sungkyunkwan University School of Medicine, Seoul, Korea.
- 14Department of Dermatology, Ajou University School of Medicine, Suwon, Korea.
- 15Department of Dermatology, Institute of Hair&Cosmetic Medicine, Wonju Severence Hospital Yonsei University Wonju College of Medicine, Wonju, Korea.
- 16Department of Dermatology, Younsei University College of Medicine, Seoul, Korea.
- 17Department of Dermatology, Wonkwang University Hospital, Iksan, Korea.
- 18Department of Dermatology, Chonnam National University Hospital, Gwangju, Korea.
- 19Department of Dermatology, Chosun University Hospital, Gwangju, Korea.
- 20Department of Dermatology, Chung-Ang University Hospital, Seoul, Korea.
- 21Department of Dermatology, Chungnam National University School of Medicine, Daejeon, Korea.
- 22Department of Dermatology, School of Medicine, Medical Research Institute, Chungbuk National University Hospital, Cheongju, Korea.
- 23Department of Dermatology, College of Medicine, Hallym University, Anyang, Korea.
- 24Department of Dermatology, Hanyang University College of Medicine, Seoul, Korea.
- 25Department of Dermatology, Skin Cancer and Laser Center, College of Medicine, Dong-A University, Busan, Korea.
Abstract
- BACKGROUND
Scabies is an old and common contagious skin disease. The incidence of scabies has decreased through the economic growth of Korea. However, recent outbreaks in medical facilities have created a suspicion that the infection of scabies is an emerging public health problem.
OBJECTIVE
We evaluated the epidemiological and clinical aspects of patients diagnosed with scabies in Korea. This prospective study follows the retrospective study already performed by the same authors in 2011.
METHODS
A multicenter, prospective study of scabies was performed at 25 hospitals in Korea. We included 914 patients who were diagnosed with scabies. Microscopic examination revealed scabies mites or eggs, or clinical improvement after treatment. Patients were asked to provide information on scabies, especially regarding the contact source, and the physicians examined them.
RESULTS
Of the participants, 432 patients were men and 482 were women. Patients aged younger than 10 years and 60~69 years were the most common groups. Scabies more commonly affected patients during the fall and winter. Of the patients, 68.0% were thought to be infected at their homes, followed by nursing homes or hospitals (25.7%), and 31.6% through contact with other patients or, occasionally, staff members, including caregivers.
CONCLUSION
We confirmed that scabies is an emerging threat in institutions, especially medical facilities. In addition, we suggest that public and in-hospital education is essential to minimize the problems associated with scabies.
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