Dermanyssus gallinae infestation: an unusual cause of scalp pruritus treated with permethrin shampoo.

Abstract

Dermanyssus gallinae is a blood parasite of wild birds, but it is also a pest in the poultry industry. It occasionally bites mammals and thus rarely creates skin problems such as itching, papules, vesicles, and dermatitis. A 92-year-old man presented with severe itch on his head, particularly at night. He had been misdiagnosed with senile pruritus and treated with antihistamines and topical corticosteroids with temporary relief of the symptoms. On the basis of clinical and parasitological findings, D. gallinae dermatitis was diagnosed. Decontamination of the patient's immediate environment was not helpful. The patient was successfully treated using a 1% permethrin shampoo once a week for 2 weeks. During 3 months of follow-up he was free of symptoms. The case is of significance because most dermatologists have difficulty identifying ectoparasitoses, such as those that arise within new or atypical conditions.

• Authors: Asena Cigdem Dogramaci, Gulnaz Culha, Semra Ozçelik
• Journal: The Journal of dermatological treatment (J Dermatolog Treat) Vol. 21 Issue 5 Pg. 319-21 (Sep 2010) ISSN: 1471-1753 [Electronic] England
• PMID: 20687864 (Publication Type: Case Reports, Journal Article)

Chemical References

• Hair Preparations
• Insecticides
• Permethrin

Topics

• Aged, 80 and over
• Animals
• Diagnosis, Differential
• Hair Preparations
• Humans
• Insecticides (administration & dosage, therapeutic use)
• Male
• Mite Infestations (diagnosis, drug therapy, parasitology)
• Mites (classification)
• Permethrin (administration & dosage, therapeutic use)
• Poultry (parasitology)
• Pruritus (parasitology)
• Scalp Dermatoses (diagnosis, drug therapy, parasitology)
• Treatment Outcome