Management of chronic, resistive scabies: a case study.

It took about 9 months of diligent effort to resolve Mr. C's chronic, highly resistive case of scabies. In all, Mr. C. had a total of seven treatments with a scabicidal lotion or cream. In addition, other medications were prescribed in an attempt to resolve his skin condition. The treatment of scabies is costly to an institution, in medications, supplies, and additional nursing time required to treat the patient, as well as other patients prophylactically. Therefore it behooves nurses to do a thorough skin assessment on all nursing home care patients at least monthly, recognize early signs of scabies, and be cognizant of the fact that scabies in the elderly patient may have an atypical distribution.