VB
Vikas Bhardwaj
Medical Technologist, AIIMS New Delhi
Updated: Apr 17, 2026
**Core Concept**
The presentation of itchy eczematous crusted lesions with exudation on palm, sole, glans penis, and face in an infant is suggestive of scabies. Scabies is a skin infestation caused by the mite Sarcoptes scabiei, which burrows into the skin and causes a severe allergic reaction, leading to intense itching and characteristic skin lesions.
**Why the Correct Answer is Right**
The correct answer involves understanding the management and prevention of scabies. The patient indeed needs drug treatment, typically topical or oral antiparasitic medications, to kill the scabies mites and their eggs. The family should be examined to diagnose and treat any potential cases, as scabies is contagious and can spread to close contacts. All clothing, bedding, and towels that have come into contact with the patient's skin should be washed and dried on hot settings to prevent re-infestation. Distribution of the lesions, particularly in areas such as the palms, soles, and genitalia, can aid in diagnosing scabies.
**Why Each Wrong Option is Incorrect**
**Option A:** Family examination is essential in diagnosing and treating scabies, as it can help identify potential cases and prevent further spread.
**Option B:** While the patient needs drug treatment, stating that the "Only" patient needs treatment is incorrect, as the entire family may require treatment.
**Option C:** Discarding or burning all clothing and linen is not a recommended practice, as it is unnecessary and may not be feasible. Washing and drying them on hot settings is sufficient to prevent re-infestation.
**Option D:** The distribution of lesions can indeed aid in diagnosis, as scabies typically presents with characteristic patterns of skin involvement.
**Option E:** Applying drug treatment to affected areas for the whole day is not a recommended practice, as it may not be effective in killing all scabies mites and their eggs.
**Clinical Pearl / High-Yield Fact**
To diagnose scabies, healthcare providers should look for characteristic patterns of skin involvement, including the presence of burrows, vesicles, and crusted lesions in areas such as the palms, soles, and genitalia.
**Correct Answer: C. Discarding or burning all clothing & linen should be discarded or burned**