Scabies epidemic at Tando Muhammad Khan, Sindh

ABSTRACT

Scabies is the most common dermatosis as reported at District Hospital, Tando Muhammad Khan. Scabies has become an epidemic in the newly created District Tando Muhammad Khan previous Taluka of District Hyderabad, Sindh. To assess prevalence of scabies, to determine causes and hurdles in management of scabies. A hospital-based observational study was conducted at dermatological out-patient department of Government District Headquarter Hospital, Tando Muhammad Khan. Duration of study was six months from 1[st] January, 2007 to 30[th] June, 2007. All patients of scabies were included in the study irrespective of any concomitant disease. Patients were diagnosed clinically. During six months study period, 5484 [70.2%] patients of scabies were enrolled. Out of these, 3456 [63%] were males and 2028 [37%] females. 69% of adult males and 92% of adult females were illiterate. Over 75% adult patients belong to low socioeconomic group. Scabies was found to be very common among patients attending dermatology clinic at District Hospital, Tando Muhammad Khan. It is associated with poor hygiene, overcrowding, illiteracy and low socioeconomic conditions. Management of scabies requires special skills including health education and counseling