Scabies
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Norwegian Scabies

Norwegian scabies is a severe form of the scabies infestation. It most commonly affects the elderly, people taking steroid medications, and people with certain conditions (such as Down syndrome or leukemia). Symptoms of Norwegian scabies can look similar to psoriasis and include numerous blisters, a thick crust over the skin, thickened and deformed nails, and slight itching.

 

What Is Norwegian Scabies?

Scabies is an infestation of the skin with the microscopic mite Sarcoptes scabiei. Norwegian scabies is a severe form of this infestation.
 

Norwegian Scabies Causes and Transmission Methods

Norwegian scabies is caused by an infestation with the scabies mite (Sarcoptes scabiei). It is spread by direct, prolonged, skin-to-skin contact with a person already infested with scabies. Infestation may also occur by sharing clothing, towels, and bedding.
 
(Click Scabies Causes for more information.)
 

Norwegian Scabies: Who Is at Risk?

Norwegian scabies is more common in the elderly, people taking steroid medicines, or people with the following:
 
 

Symptoms of Norwegian Scabies

Symptoms of Norwegian scabies can look similar to psoriasis and include:
 
  • Numerous blisters
  • Thick crust over the skin
  • Thickened, deformed nails
  • Redness
  • Slight itching.
 
(Norwegian Scabies Continued: Page 2)
Written by/reviewed by: Arthur Schoenstadt, MD
Last reviewed by: Arthur Schoenstadt, MD