Frequency of scabies in Iraq: survey in a dermatology clinic.

BACKGROUND The burden of scabies is highest in tropical countries, but recent data from Iraq are scanty. OBJECTIVE To estimate the frequency of scabies in patients of a dermatology clinic in central Iraq. METHODOLOGY The study was conducted in Tikrit (Iraq), between May 2007 and February 2008. A total of 1,194 patients presenting to a dermatology clinic were included in the study. RESULTS During the study period, 132 [1.1%] patients with scabies were identified. The frequency was 13.5% in males and 8.6% in females [P = 0.007]. Frequency in children was 15.6% and 9.8% in adults [P = 0.007]. About 91% of cases were younger than 45 years. The treatment of scabies cases with 5% permethrin cream resulted in a cure rate of 80.3% following a single application, and was increased to 95.5% after a second application. Cure was achieved in all cases after a third application. CONCLUSION Prevalence of scabies was high in a dermatology clinic, and prisoners were identified as high-risk group. Mass treatment of scabies either by oral ivermectin or topical permethrin is suggested.