Purpose of the review This review will update pediatric providers on the recent data regarding the epidemiology, diagnosis, and treatment of common skin infestations affecting children and adolescents. Recent findings Standard superficial skin biopsy for scabies and the vacuum method for head lice can increase diagnostic accuracy and efficiency. There is growing resistance to some of the traditional treatments for scabies and head lice, and progress has been made in finding newer and potentially more effective treatments, such as oral moxidectin for scabies and abametapir for head lice. Recent studies have established the safety of traditional treatments, such as permethrin and oral ivermectin in infants and small children. Summary Permethrin and ivermectin are both considered safe and effective for children and adolescents with scabies. Permethrin is generally considered safe in infants less than two months of age. Proper application of permethrin is critical, and providers should emphasize proper application technique. Treatment of head lice should only be initiated with active infestations. Resistance to permethrin continues to increase and other options are now available, including an over-the-counter topical ivermectin formulation. Identification and eradication of bed bug infestations are crucial in preventing bedbug bites.

No abstract

Background/Objectives Older children with atopic dermatitis (AD) suffer from poor sleep and attention problems. However, until recently, the dearth of developmentally sensitive assessment tools impeded characterization in younger children. We aimed to characterize sleep and attention problems in young children with AD and identify modifiable factors. Methods A cross‐sectional study of children with AD aged 1–4 years was stratified by disease severity (Patient‐Oriented Eczema Measure), age, and racial/ethnic groups. Developmentally sensitive surveys assessed attention (Multidimensional Assessment Profile of Attention Regulation), sleep, and itch (Patient‐Reported Outcomes Measurement Information System). Linear regression models identified predictors of sleep health and attention dysregulation. Results Parents (n = 60) of children aged 2.78 ± 0.98 years with severe (n = 25), moderate (n = 25), or mild (n = 10) AD were recruited across the United States. Significantly reduced sleep health (T‐score ≥ 60) was reported in 86% of children with moderate/severe disease (n = 43), and 50% had ≥5 nights of disturbed sleep per week. A suboptimal sleep environment was identified with 32% of children with too much light, noise, or electronic device usage. With regard to attention regulation, in children with severe AD, 80% had trouble sitting still and 72% of children had trouble paying attention no matter their surroundings. In fully adjusted models, AD severity was a significant predictor of poor sleep health (B = 0.79 [0.31–1.28], p < .01) and attention dysregulation (B = 1.22 [0.51–1.93], p < .01). Conclusions More severe AD correlates with poor sleep health and attention dysregulation. In addition to aggressive treatment of AD, clinicians should advise on modifiable sleep hygiene practices and consider screening for attention dysregulation in young children.

Mycobacterium branderi is a rare, slow-growing, nontuberculous mycobacterium initially identified as a species in 1995. Mycobacterium branderi has previously been reported as the sole pathogen isolated from pulmonary cavitary lesions and from a hand infection. We present a case of M. branderi as the sole pathogen isolated from a spinal epidural abscess associated with discitis, osteomyelitis, and psoas muscle abscesses in an immunocompromised host. The isolate was subjected to DNA hybridization testing and 16S rRNA gene sequencing, with results consistent with M. branderi and Mycobacterium celatum. Subsequent RNA polymerase β subunit gene sequencing identified the organism as M. branderi. The spinal infection is being treated with trimethoprim-sulfamethoxazole, ethambutol, azithromycin, and rifabutin. Repeat spinal cultures after initiation of treatment were negative for growth suggesting eradication of the organism.

No abstract