Clinico-Epidemiological Profile of Scabies among Children in a Peripheral Health Centre in Kashmir, India

Abstract

This research paper is about the occurrence of scabies among the children of a rural region of Kashmir. Methods: This was cross-sectional  study of scabies diagnosed in children below 3 monthsto16 years of age from June 2021to Dec 2021.The clinical and epidemiological characteristics were retrieved, recorded in preformed performa and analyzed using Microsoft excel and SPSS software. Results: Prevalence of scabies in children was 6.1%. Among 100 children enrolled, mean age of the children with scabies was 2.4 years. Majority (89.5%) was from rural community and was of lower income. Clustering of disease was seen in colder months. Common site of involvement due to scabies was abdomen, web-space and genitalia in both male and female. Pruritus was the most common symptom. Conclusion: Scabies is disease of public health importance with high prevalence and high socio-economic burden in children. To improve the quality of life associated with scabies, we need to improve hygiene, clean drinking water, appropriate treatment and public awareness.