The scabies mite, Sarcoptes scabiei var hominis, is an obligate ectoparasite of humans. It has been a source of distress for humanity since antiquity. The troublesome mite is emerging triumphant over current acaricidal agents with reports of emerging resistance and treatment failures. Scabies in endemic areas and crusted scabies offer additional management challenges. Exploration of indigenous plants and better understanding of mite biology and pathogenesis provide opportunities for the development of novel agents for this common pest. We review the recent diverse approaches to scabies, including the use of novel plant products with a better safety profile, translating the use of moxidectin from veterinary practice to human scabies, vaccination, immunotherapy, and development of drugs that directly target mite molecules.

Polymorphous light eruption (PMLE) is the most common, idiopathic, acquired photodermatosis, characterized by abnormal, recurrent, and delayed reaction to sunlight. Polymorphous light eruption is common worldwide but the morphology, distribution, and pigmentary changes are unique in Indian skin which is discussed in this review. The prevalence of PMLE is around 10–20% in the general population. It commonly occurs in females between 20and 30 years of age. It is the most common photodermatosis in school-going children. Visible light sensitivity is an important phenomenon in PMLE. It typically presents as recurrent and chronic lesions over photoexposed sites. Initially, patchy erythema occurs with pruritus. Most of the Indians belong to type IV to type VI skin and pigmentary changes are commonly seen. The unique feature of PMLE in Indian skin is the pigmentary change which varies from hypopigmented to hyperpigmented lesions. These pigmentary changes may occur alone or in combination with erythematous or skin-colored lesions. The pigmentary lesions are seen in more than 50% of lesions. The histopathology of PMLE is characterized by the presence of hyperkeratosis, spongiosis with or without the presence of liquefactive degeneration in the epidermis. Dermal changes in the upper and mid dermis include the presence of dense perivascular lymphocytic infiltrate. The management of PMLE includes both preventive measures and medical management. Topical sunscreens, topical steroids, hydroxychloroquine and antioxidants play a very important role.

Background: Pediculosis is a common ectoparasitic infestation in children. There are different treatment modalities that have been used in the treatment of pediculosis capitis from time immemorial, each with their own shortcomings. Increasing emergence of resistance to permethrin has led to the lookout for newer alternatives. Aims and Objectives: The role of topical ivermectin in the management of pediculosis in people with culturally different hair grooming practices is analyzed in this study. Materials and Methods: This observational open-label clinical study was conducted in September–November 2019 in the schools that were under the rural health center at South India among school-going female children aged between 13 and 16 years of age and diagnosed with pediculosis. Results: This study demonstrated that a single application of ivermectin shampoo was able to kill head lice in 86.2% of the participants. In participants with persistent infection (13.8%), a repeat application killed the entire louse and 100% efficacy was demonstrated. Topical ivermectin is devoid of systemic side effects of oral ivermectin. Topical ivermectin has found to be more effective than contemporary recommended agents such as malathion and permethrin.

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