Additional Techniques for Diagnosing Scabies

Original Article: Pediculosis and Scabies: A Treatment Update Issue Date: September 15, 2012 Available at: https://www.aafp.org/afp/2012/0915/p535.html TO THE EDITOR: [...]microscopic identification of mites, eggs, and fecal pellets can be performed by suspending skin scrapings in mineral oil.3 Mites will adhere to the oil, and skin scales will mix with the oil. Additionally, although the test appears to be a valid diagnostic tool, a prolonged search is occasionally required to find the positive lesion even in patients in whom scabies is strongly suspected.1 Because a lengthy examination may be impractical in the busy office setting, we recommended empiric treatment of patients with pruritus, typical lesions, and a history of itching in close contacts.2 We agree that mineral oil is superior to KOH preparations for the microscopic examination of skin scrapings in the diagnosis of scabies, and included recommendations to use mineral oil when testing is indicated.