A 5-year-old Aboriginal boy from a remote community presents with intensely itchy papules and burrows on the hands, wrists and trunk, and several fami...

Question

A 5-year-old Aboriginal boy from a remote community presents with intensely itchy papules and burrows on the hands, wrists and trunk, and several family members are similarly affected. There is concern about overcrowded housing. According to Australian guidance for skin health in remote communities, which treatment strategy is most appropriate?

Accepted Answer

Topical permethrin applied to the child and all close household contacts simultaneously, with environmental measures

Answer

Topical steroid cream only to reduce itching

Answer

Single application of topical permethrin to the child only

Answer

Oral ivermectin for the child only

Answer

No treatment is needed as scabies is self-limiting

au-racgp MCQ (SBA): Scabies in remote Aboriginal communities