Complications

Your Organisational Guidance

ebpracticenet urges you to prioritise the following organisational guidance:

Diagnose en behandeling van scabiësPublished by: Domus Medica | WORELLast published: 2025Diagnose en behandeling van scabiës ('Diagnostic et prise en charge de la gale', uniquement disponible en néerlandais)Published by: Domus Medica | WORELLast published: 2025
Complication
Timeframe
Likelihood
short term
high

Occurs as an immunological reaction to mites, their eggs, or faeces. Manifests as continued pruritus despite adequate treatment of scabies. May last for up to 1 month after treatment. May be treated with topical mid-potency steroid application 1 to 2 times per day for 2 to 4 weeks. Oral antihistamines may also be given.[6]

short term
low

Due to disruption of skin barrier from inflammation and scratching, skin may be secondarily infected with streptococcal or staphylococcal bacteria. Treatment with antibiotics (dicloxacillin, flucloxacillin, or a first-generation cephalosporin) is usually sufficient. In developing countries, untreated secondary infection can lead to post-streptococcal glomerulonephritis and subsequent renal failure or rheumatic heart disease.[5]

variable
low

Prolonged immune response to scabies can result in persistent nodules that show a mixed inflammatory infiltrate. Treatment usually consists of high-potency topical steroids, intralesional steroids or an oral steroid taper.[43]

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