Tokelau Islands Children's Study: scabies infestation in children.

Tokelau children have been examined for scabies infestation in three groups--those living in their home atolls--those living in New Zealand in 1972-73, and those living in New Zealand in 1975. There was less infestation in Tokelau than in New Zealand. In 1975 the rate of infestation in New Zealand had increased since 1972. The manifestation of the mite in children in New Zealand varied from the classical descriptions, in that the mite itself, and its burrows, were seldom found, and the skin lesions were more often seen on the body than on the wrists and hands. A treatment regime which was found satisfactory is described. It was found essential to treat the entire family at the same time.