A patient with scabies may suffer recurrence after initial therapy. This may be associated with a number of risk factors.
Patient selection: inpatient, status post therapy of scabies
Risk factors for recurrence:
(1) dementia
(2) impaired immunity (absolute lymphopenia, other)
(3) re-exposure
(4) bedridden status
Recurrence needs to be distinguished from relapse due to inadequate treatment.
Use of effective topical treatment of high-risk patients may prevent recurrence.
