Table 2.

Areas that need to be clarified in future scabies guidelines

Diagnosis and treatment

Descriptions of the clinical features of non-classical scabies presentations in the elderly The incubation period of scabies Description of the potential complications that can arise from scabies infection The role of specialist dermatology input in diagnosis and treatment Optimal treatment regimens for both classical and crusted scabies Ethical considerations for the treatment of vulnerable groups such as dementia patients

Outbreak management

The definition of a scabies outbreak, to include the number of cases within a specified time period Initial actions in the event of an outbreak including: outbreak diagnostic confirmation, reporting to national bodies and associated paperwork to record patient information Treatment of contacts including: clarification of who is classified as a contact, who should receive treatment and the number, timing and coordination of treatments Practical consideration of the logistical barriers to mass treatment regimens Infection control advice for both classical and crusted scabies including: exclusion/isolation of cases, care home closure, treatment of fomites and cleaning of the home Time period for follow-up, and criteria for declaring an outbreak over

Roles and responsibilities

The roles and responsibilities of stakeholders involved in outbreak management, including treatment coordination and follow-up How/where scabicidal treatment is obtained and who carries financial responsibility for its purchase