Episode 81 - The Hidden History of Scabies | The Future of Dermatology Podcast

Summary

In this episode of the Future of Dermatology Podcast, Dr. Faranak Kamangar and Dr. Errol Craig delve into the often-overlooked topic of scabies. They explore its historical context, transmission dynamics, and the psychological impact of the condition on patients. The conversation highlights the importance of understanding scabies as a community health issue, the challenges in diagnosis and treatment, and the need for new approaches in dermatology. Dr. Craig shares insights from his book, 'The Itch: Scabies', and discusses the future of scabies treatment, including potential new medications and diagnostic techniques.

You can find Dr. Craig's book on Amazon: https://www.amazon.com/Itch-Scabies-Errol-Craig-ebook/dp/B0B15HYX84/

Takeaways

- Scabies has a rich history that is often overlooked in medical education.
- Transmission of scabies is primarily through close contact, not fomites.
- The burden of scabies is significant, especially in tropical and developing regions.
- Post-scobetic dermatitis is a common issue after treatment.
- Community treatment is essential for effective scabies management.
- Ivermectin and permethrin are commonly used treatments, but resistance is a concern.
- Dermatoscopy is a valuable tool for diagnosing scabies.
- The psychological impact of scabies on patients is profound and often irrational.
- New diagnostic techniques and treatments for scabies are on the horizon.
- Understanding the evolutionary fear of itch can help in patient care.

Chapters

00:00 - Introduction to Dermatology and Scabies
01:25 - The Fascinating History of Scabies
04:53 - Understanding Transmission and Contagion
09:36 - The Burden of Scabies in Different Populations
12:02 - Diagnosis and Treatment Approaches
18:09 - Community Approach to Scabies Treatment
20:24 - The Evolutionary Fear of Itch
22:08 - Future Directions in Dermatology and Scabies Treatment