Identification Of Scabiei Sarcoptes With Clinical Examinations And Supporting Examinations In Medan City
Identification of Scabies Caused by Sarcoptes Scabiei: The Importance of Clinical Examinations and Supporting Examinations in Medan City
Introduction
Scabies, a skin disease caused by the mite Sarcoptes scabiei var. hominis, is a common problem in tropical regions, including Medan City. The disease is characterized by unbearable itching and reddish rashes, which worsen at night. However, the diagnosis of scabies can be challenging, especially when the symptoms are unclear or similar to other skin diseases. In this article, we will discuss the importance of clinical examinations and supporting examinations in identifying scabies caused by Sarcoptes scabiei in Medan City.
The Challenge of Diagnosing Scabies
Scabies is a highly contagious disease that affects millions of people worldwide. The diagnosis of scabies is generally made based on typical clinical symptoms, such as reddish rashes and itching that worsens at night. However, the challenge arises when these symptoms are unclear or similar to other skin diseases. In such cases, clinical examination alone may not be enough to diagnose scabies. This is where supporting examinations, such as microscopic, dermoscopy, and polymerase chain reaction (PCR), come into play.
The Importance of Supporting Examinations
Supporting examinations, such as microscopic, dermoscopy, and PCR, are essential in diagnosing scabies caused by Sarcoptes scabiei. These examinations can help confirm the presence of the mite and rule out other skin diseases. Microscopic examination is considered the "gold standard" for diagnosing scabies, as it allows for the direct visualization of the mite. Dermoscopy is a non-invasive examination that uses a special light to visualize the skin, while PCR is a molecular examination that detects the genetic material of the mite.
A Study on the Effectiveness of Identification of Sarcoptes Scabiei in Medan City
A study was conducted in Medan City to evaluate the effectiveness of identification of Sarcoptes scabiei based on clinical symptoms and supporting examinations. The study involved 50 participants who met the inclusion and exclusion criteria. Participants underwent physical examination to identify typical scabies lesions, followed by dermoscopy, as well as skin sampling for microscopic examination and PCR.
Results of the Study
The results of the study showed that of the 50 samples, typical scabies rashes were found in various locations, such as heads (4%), wrists (14%), between the fingers (26%), between the toes (26%), the groin (4%), buttocks (14%), and external genitalia (12%). However, the results of microscopic examinations did not indicate the presence of Sarcoptes scabiei (0%). Dermoscopy also gave negative results (0%), while PCR detected 12 positive scabies samples (24%).
Conclusion
The findings of the study reveal the fact that clinical examination alone is not always enough to diagnose scabies. PCR is proven to be a more effective method of detecting Sarcoptes scabiei, although the number of leather samples taken is very small. This opens opportunities to use PCR as a more accurate and sensitive diagnosis tool in diagnosing scabies, especially in areas with limited resources.
Future Research Directions
It is essential to conduct further research to examine the effectiveness of PCR in a broader context, including the type and number of ideal samples. By increasing understanding and application of PCR, it is expected that the diagnosis of scabies can be more accurate and treatment can be given more effectively, thereby reducing suffering due to this disease in the city of Medan.
The Importance of Accurate Diagnosis
Accurate diagnosis of scabies is crucial in reducing suffering and preventing the spread of the disease. The use of PCR as a diagnostic tool can help improve the accuracy of diagnosis and treatment. By increasing the understanding and application of PCR, it is expected that the diagnosis of scabies can be more accurate and treatment can be given more effectively, thereby reducing suffering due to this disease in the city of Medan.
The Role of Healthcare Professionals
Healthcare professionals play a crucial role in diagnosing and treating scabies. They must be aware of the importance of clinical examinations and supporting examinations in identifying scabies caused by Sarcoptes scabiei. By using PCR as a diagnostic tool, healthcare professionals can improve the accuracy of diagnosis and treatment, thereby reducing suffering due to this disease.
Conclusion
In conclusion, the diagnosis of scabies caused by Sarcoptes scabiei is a complex process that requires a combination of clinical examinations and supporting examinations. The use of PCR as a diagnostic tool can help improve the accuracy of diagnosis and treatment, thereby reducing suffering due to this disease in the city of Medan. Further research is needed to examine the effectiveness of PCR in a broader context, including the type and number of ideal samples. By increasing understanding and application of PCR, it is expected that the diagnosis of scabies can be more accurate and treatment can be given more effectively, thereby reducing suffering due to this disease in the city of Medan.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) about Scabies Caused by Sarcoptes Scabiei
Q: What is scabies?
A: Scabies is a skin disease caused by the mite Sarcoptes scabiei var. hominis. It is a highly contagious disease that affects millions of people worldwide.
Q: What are the symptoms of scabies?
A: The symptoms of scabies include unbearable itching, reddish rashes, and small bumps on the skin. The itching worsens at night and can be accompanied by a burning sensation.
Q: How is scabies diagnosed?
A: Scabies is diagnosed based on clinical symptoms, such as reddish rashes and itching. However, supporting examinations, such as microscopic, dermoscopy, and polymerase chain reaction (PCR), are also used to confirm the presence of the mite.
Q: What is the role of PCR in diagnosing scabies?
A: PCR is a molecular examination that detects the genetic material of the mite. It is a more accurate and sensitive method of detecting Sarcoptes scabiei than clinical examination alone.
Q: Why is PCR a more effective method of detecting scabies?
A: PCR is a more effective method of detecting scabies because it can detect the genetic material of the mite even when it is not present in large numbers. This makes it a more accurate and sensitive method of diagnosis.
Q: What are the benefits of using PCR in diagnosing scabies?
A: The benefits of using PCR in diagnosing scabies include improved accuracy and sensitivity of diagnosis, reduced risk of misdiagnosis, and more effective treatment.
Q: How can healthcare professionals improve the diagnosis and treatment of scabies?
A: Healthcare professionals can improve the diagnosis and treatment of scabies by using PCR as a diagnostic tool, being aware of the importance of clinical examinations and supporting examinations, and providing accurate and effective treatment.
Q: What are the challenges of diagnosing scabies?
A: The challenges of diagnosing scabies include the similarity of symptoms to other skin diseases, the presence of false-negative results, and the need for specialized equipment and expertise.
Q: How can healthcare professionals overcome the challenges of diagnosing scabies?
A: Healthcare professionals can overcome the challenges of diagnosing scabies by using a combination of clinical examinations and supporting examinations, being aware of the importance of PCR, and seeking specialized expertise when necessary.
Q: What is the importance of accurate diagnosis in treating scabies?
A: Accurate diagnosis is crucial in treating scabies because it allows for the effective treatment of the disease and prevents the spread of the mite to others.
Q: How can healthcare professionals improve the accuracy of diagnosis and treatment of scabies?
A: Healthcare professionals can improve the accuracy of diagnosis and treatment of scabies by using PCR as a diagnostic tool, being aware of the importance of clinical examinations and supporting examinations, and providing accurate and effective treatment.
Q: What are the future directions for research on scabies?
A: The future directions for research on scabies include examining the effectiveness of PCR in a broader context, including the type and number of ideal samples, and developing new diagnostic tools and treatments for the disease.
Q: How can healthcare professionals stay up-to-date with the latest research and developments in scabies?
A: Healthcare professionals can stay up-to-date with the latest research and developments in scabies by attending conferences and workshops, reading scientific journals and articles, and participating in online forums and discussions.