title: Frequency of scabies in Iraq: survey in a dermatology clinic.
abstract: 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.
  
  
  METHODS
  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.
  
  
  CONCLUSIONS
  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.
authors.affiliation: Department of Medicine, College of Medicine, Tikrit University, Iraqi Scientific Forum, Iraq. galsamarrai@yahoo.com
authors.forename: Abdulghani Mohamad
authors.initials: AM
authors.lastname: Alsamarai
mesh_terms: D000287:Administration, Topical; D000293:Adolescent; D000328:Adult; D000367:Age Factors; D000368:Aged; D000369:Aged, 80 and over; D000818:Animals; D002648:Child; D002675:Child, Preschool; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D007223:Infant; D007306:Insecticides / Q000008:administration & dosage; D007493:Iraq / Q000453:epidemiology; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D026023:Permethrin / Q000008:administration & dosage; D015995:Prevalence; D012520:Sarcoptes scabiei / Q000187:drug effects; D012532:Scabies / Q000188:drug therapy / Q000453:epidemiology* / Q000469:parasitology; D016896:Treatment Outcome
chemical_list: D007306:Insecticides; D026023:Permethrin