The journey of having scabies–A qualitative study

Abstract

Background and objective: Scabies is considered to be a common skin infection in the field of dermatology, but it is also, by the World Health Organization referred to as a neglected disease. It can cause complications such as secondary infections linked to the development of glomerulonephritis and chronic kidney disease. Furthermore, scabies is associated with stigma, shame and social isolation. To date no qualitative study, has explored this area in depth. The aim of this study was to gain an in-depth understanding of the lived experiences of patients diagnosed with scabies.Methods: A phenomenological-hermeneutic approach was applied and semi-structured interviews were conducted with 10 participants with scabies. Data were analyzed according to Ricoeurs’ theory of interpretation: naïve reading, structural analysis and critical interpretation and discussion.Results: The study revealed that patients were affected by uncontrollable and unbearable itching, which caused insomnia and distress, and lead to coping strategies to bring relief. Scabies was experienced as a never-ending journey, characterized by misdiagnosis, a long period of repeated treatment, and lack of information. Not knowing whether the disease had been cured resulted in feelings of insecurity and powerlessness. Scabies had an impact on everyday life caused by social withdrawal and due to feelings of shame, guilt and fear of rejection.Conclusions: Having scabies is a journey that consists of uncertainty and is characterized by misdiagnosis, long period of treatment and lack of knowledge. Having scabies can be stigmatized, causing loneliness and social withdrawal. Patients with scabies are in need of care, support and information regarding physical, emotional and social well-being.

In vitro survival of scabies mites

“…Proper management of the surrounding environment is important and time-consuming, and may have a negative impact on the daily lives of patients. 3…”

Care and treatment needs of immunosuppressive therapy patients with warts and impact on everyday life: a qualitative study

“…As a result, patients tried to hide their warts in social contexts. It is well known that patients with skin diseases often have feelings of being stigmatized (12,13). In the case of warts, the stigma may be related to the fact that it is caused by an infection and is thus contagious (14).…”

A qualitative research study on the illness perception of chronic pruritus in older Asian adults based on the Common‐Sense Model of self‐regulation

“…When there is uncertainty on the cause, due to patients' inability to understand the association mentioned above or lack of provision of information by physicians, patients tend to try various treatment modalities and often become dissatisfied with the outcomes. A qualitative study on patients with scabies similarly revealed uncertainty about their illness and diagnosis, poor understanding of their illness‐related events and insecurity 41 . In contrast, sharing information about illness is known to improve the doctor–patient relationship and patient satisfaction 42 .…”

“…A qualitative study on patients with scabies similarly revealed uncertainty about their illness and diagnosis, poor understanding of their illness‐related events and insecurity. 41 In contrast, sharing information about illness is known to improve the doctor–patient relationship and patient satisfaction. 42 According to Mishel's Theory of Uncertainty in Illness, healthcare professionals can reduce the uncertainty by providing information on the causes and consequences of symptoms and increase a patient's clarity and knowledge of the illness.…”