ABSTRACT
Scabies is a highly contagious ectoparasitosis caused by Sarcoptes scabiei var. hominis and characterized by diffuse and intense pruritus. Scabies is a highly contagious ectoparasitosis caused by Sarcoptes scabiei var. The prevalence is highest in low- and middle-income tropical countries, where scabies is an endemic disease. Genital lesions are reported to occur in up to 10-30% of males with scabies. Scabies infestation begins when a fertilized female mite burrows into the patient's epidermis. The pathognomonic lesion of scabies is the burrow, a slightly raised, silvery-gray, whitish or light brown, linear or sinuous tract measuring about 3-7 mm in length and approximately 0.4 mm in width. Papules or larger nodules found on the penis and/or scrotum are highly specific for scabies. The diagnosis of scabies can be clinically suspected when typical skin lesions with characteristic distribution are present in patient with diffuse pruritus. However, microscopic and/or instrumental identification of the scabies mite or its products is recommended to confirm the diagnosis.
