Scabies Cases in Children are Still on the Rise After the COVID-19 Pandemic

As a significant increase in the incidence of scabies in adults has been described since 2020, a cross-sectional, single-center, retrospective study was conducted in patients younger than 18 years presenting to the Pediatric Emergency Department (PED) of a tertiary referral center during a 6-year period (from January 1 st , 2018 through December 31 st , 2023) with a diagnosis of scabies. Results showed that incidence followed a similar trend in the pediatric population, with 5 times more episodes attended during 2022-2023 compared with the prepandemic period. Incorrect prescriptions of scabicidal drugs were frequent, as was inadequate management of cohabitants and fomites, especially in facilities other than the PED. In conclusion, the increase in pediatric cases of scabies, possibly exacerbated by the COVID-19 pandemic, requires clinicians to remain alert to this condition, and combined efforts by dermatologists, primary care physicians, and pediatricians are needed for early recognition and appropriate management of scabies.