FINDINGS IN-VIVO OF SARCOPTES-SCABIEI WITH INCIDENT LIGHT-MICROSCOPY

Parasites, especially Sarcoptes scabiei, may represent a difficult dia gnostic problem, In many cases, the results of the usual methods for t he diagnosis of scabies, such as microscopic identification, can be ne gative owing to the small number of parasites present in the cornified layer. Moreover, tape stripping or removal of mites with a needle is difficult and sometimes painful, and therefore, not well accepted. We have evaluated the applicability and usefulness of epiluminescence mic roscopy, a new technique frequently used for the study of pigmented le sions of the skin. Thirty seven patients with the presumptive clinical and/or anamnestic diagnosis of scabies were enrolled in our study. Wi th this method many suspicious sites may be examined within a few minu tes without causing any harm or discomfort to the patient.