Acarodermatitis: Symptoms and Treatment

Dr. Smith's Medical Guide

Overview Symptoms Causes Treatment Prevention

Acarodermatitis

/əˌkærəʊˌdɜːrməˈtaɪtɪs/
Medical term Dermatology

Definition:Skin inflammation caused by mite infestation

Etymology:From Greek "akari" (mite) + "dermatitis" (skin inflammation)

📚 Key Symptoms

Skin Rash

Red, itchy papules or vesicles

Acarodermatitis typically causes small red bumps.
Mite dermatitis often appears as clustered lesions.
Clinical

Itching

Intense pruritus, especially at night

The acarodermatitis patient reported severe nocturnal itching.
Mite infestation causes characteristic itching patterns.
Symptom

Distribution

Linear or clustered pattern

Acarodermatitis lesions often follow burrow tracks.
Mite bites commonly affect interdigital spaces.
Diagnostic

"Acarodermatitis" is a clinical diagnosis that requires microscopic confirmation. The condition is often mistaken for allergic reactions or other dermatoses.

🔄 Clinical Presentation

Typical Cases

The acarodermatitis patient presented with excoriated papules.

Children with acarodermatitis often scratch excessively.

This acarodermatitis case showed characteristic burrows.

Differential Diagnosis

Scabies must be ruled out in similar presentations.

Contact dermatitis may mimic early acarodermatitis.

Insect bite reactions can resemble mite infestations.

🔊 Common Causes

Sarcoptes scabiei

Human itch mite

Causes classic scabies

Demodex mites

Follicle mites

Cause demodicosis

Transmission:

Risk Factors

  • Crowded living conditions
  • Poor hygiene
  • Immunocompromised state

🎯 Treatment Options

Topical

Permethrin cream (5%)

Acarodermatitis treatment requires scabicidal agents.
Permethrin is first-line therapy.
First-line

Oral

Ivermectin

Systemic ivermectin for resistant cases
Used for crusted scabies
Systemic

Supportive

Antihistamines

Antipruritics for symptom relief
Topical steroids for inflammation
Adjunctive

Treatment Protocol

Duration: 2 applications 1 week apart
Contacts: Treat all close contacts simultaneously

⚠️ Important Notes

Avoid:

Using steroid creams alone (Incorrect)

Correct:Always combine with scabicides

Sharing personal items during treatment (Incorrect)

Correct:Decontaminate all clothing/bedding

✍️ Prevention Guide

Key Measures

1. Wash all bedding in hot water (>60°C)
2. Vacuum living areas thoroughly
3. Avoid direct contact with infected individuals

1. Machine-dry on high heat for 30 minutes

2. Isolate infested items for 72 hours

3. Educate family members about transmission

Environmental Control

Recommended cleaning protocol:

• Steam-clean carpets and furniture
• Disinfect frequently touched surfaces
• Seal non-washable items in plastic bags

Myths vs Facts

Identify and correct misconceptions:

1. Acarodermatitis only affects dirty people
2. Mites can jump from person to person
3. Essential oils cure mite infestations

1. Acarodermatitis can affect anyone regardless of hygiene

2. Mites crawl slowly; transmission requires prolonged contact

3. No evidence supports essential oils as effective treatment