A child presented with complaint of severe itching over the web of fingers, more at night. Examination revealed burrows. Most probable diagnosis is:September 2009

Ans. B: ScabiesScabies is essentially a disease of the children. The itching appears a few days after infestation. It may occur within a few hours if the mite is caught a second time.The itch is characteristically more severe at night and affects the trunk and limbs.It does not usually affect the scalp.Burrow is the pathognomic lesion of scabies.Scabies burrows appear as tiny grey irregular tracks between the fingers and on the wrists.They may also be found in armpits, buttocks, on the penis, insteps and backs of the heels. Microscopic examination of the contents of a burrow may reveal mites, eggs or mite faeces (scybala).