Pseudoscabies transmitted by a red fox

Pseudoscabies, i.e. infestation of human skin with animal mites may occasio nally occur and should be considered in the differential diagnosis of pruri tic and papular skin disease. We report here on a 52-year-old woman with ps eudoscabies or canine scabies (Sarcoptes scabiei var. canis), transmitted b y indirect contact with a red fox in the urban area of Berlin. Red foxes ma y live in unhabited areas of metropolitan large cities, i.e, in garages, ca r wrecks and cellars. Full remission of the prolonged and pruritic rush was seen after topical administration of lindane together with systemic cortic osteroids.