Norwegian (crusted) scabies differs from classical scabies in all of the following EXCEPT:

• A Mite burden (Norwegian: thousands to millions; classic: 10–15 mites)
• B Infectivity (Norwegian scabies is highly contagious; classic scabies is less contagious)
• C Treatment — Norwegian scabies requires the same single application of permethrin as classic scabies ✓
• D Pruritus (Norwegian scabies patients often have minimal or absent pruritus)

Explanation

Norwegian (crusted) scabies requires more intensive treatment than classic scabies due to the enormous mite burden (millions of mites in thick hyperkeratotic crusts). Treatment typically involves repeated applications of topical permethrin (5%) on days 1, 2, 8, 9, 15 plus oral ivermectin (200 μg/kg on days 1, 2, 8, 9, 15), keratolytics (salicylic acid) for crust removal, and contact isolation. Classic scabies is treated with a single overnight application of permethrin or a single dose of ivermectin. The absence of itch in Norwegian scabies is due to the immunocompromised state of the host.

Reference: Neena Khanna Illustrated Synopsis of Dermatology & STD, 6th ed.

High-yield for: NEET PGINI-CETNExTFMGEUSMLEPLABMRCP

Written and medically reviewed by the StethoPrep medical team.