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Infestations in the Geriatric Patient

  • Dermatology and Wound Care (C Sayed and D Culton, Section Editors)
  • Published:
Current Geriatrics Reports Aims and scope Submit manuscript

Abstract

Purpose of Review

This article seeks to review the common infestations plaguing the geriatric population including scabies, lice, and bed bugs as incidence is on the rise in this growing population. These infestations can be debilitating, embarrassing, and burdensome to patients. We discuss classic clinical presentations, diagnostic features, first-line treatment, and management of each.

Recent Findings

A special focus is included on scabies infestations as its incidence is rapidly increasing, and unique considerations are given to the geriatric population regarding management and treatment. Furthermore, increased reports of post-scabetic pruritus pose a treatment conundrum to providers.

Summary

We hope our review of common geriatric infestations including scabies, lice, and bed bugs better equips primary physicians to diagnose, treat, and manage complications following treatment.

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Author information

Authors and Affiliations

  1. Center for Dermatology Research, Department of Dermatology, University of North Carolina School of Medicine, Chapel Hill, NC, USA

    Ashley Dietrich & Christopher Sayed

  2. Virginia College of Osteopathic Medicine, Blacksburg, Virginia, USA

    Kritika Joshi

  3. Department of Dermatology, University of North Carolina Chapel Hill, 410 Market Street #400, CB# 7715, Chapel Hill, NC, 27516, USA

    Christopher Sayed

Authors
  1. Ashley Dietrich
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  2. Kritika Joshi
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  3. Christopher Sayed
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Corresponding author

Correspondence to Christopher Sayed.

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Conflict of Interest

Ashley Dietrich declares that she has no conflict of interest. Kritika Joshi declares that she has no conflict of interest. Christopher Sayed declares that he has no conflict of interest.

Human and Animal Rights

This article does not contain any studies with human or animal subjects performed by any of the authors.

Additional information

This article is part of the Topical Collection on Dermatology and Wound Care

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Dietrich, A., Joshi, K. & Sayed, C. Infestations in the Geriatric Patient. Curr Geri Rep 7, 210–215 (2018). https://doi.org/10.1007/s13670-018-0255-z

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  • DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/s13670-018-0255-z

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