Scabies in children in sector Gaza

Objectives: To present a profile of scabies in children in sector Gaza. Methods: All patients who were seen in the outpatient clinic in Jordanian hospital in Gaza between 25/11/2010 and 24/01/2011 and who presented with itching, were examined for scabies. Patients were divided into three age groups: group I: 0-4 years, group II: 4-8 years and group III: 8-14 years. Results: A total of 5430 children were seen in outpatient clinic for various diseases and conditions during the study period. 145 cases of scabies were reported with 98 males and 47 females. Scabies was higher in age group II: age 4-8 years, followed by group III; 8-14 years. The incidence of scabies among children seen in the clinic was 0.02% and was higher in males. The commonest manifestation was night itching followed by skin marks. Conclusion: Scabies is a common disease among children in Gaza. Major contributing factors to this disease are: crowding, poor hygiene, scarce water supplies and low socio-economic class.