Question

A 4-year-old boy from a remote Aboriginal community presents with generalised pruritus and a papular rash with excoriations, especially in the web spaces of the fingers and flexures. Several family members are similarly affected. According to Australian guidelines, what is the most appropriate management?

Accepted Answer

Topical permethrin 5% applied to the whole body (excluding head in older children) and repeat in 7 days, with treatment of close contacts and linen decontamination

Answer

Topical corticosteroid cream alone for symptom relief

Answer

Oral antihistamines only

Answer

Systemic corticosteroids to suppress inflammation

Answer

No treatment is required as it will resolve spontaneously

Practice question