itchy residents

[Nancy45]

The LTC facility I am working at has at least 7 residents who are itchy and actually have scabs from scratching! They have been treated with elimite, methylprednisolone, atarax & hydrocortisone. This is driving me crazy, not to mention the poor residents. I have called the Dr. repeatedly and talked to the ADON & DON. They don't seem very concerned. They haven't had anyone consult a dermatologist. Tomorrow, I am going to the DON again as I think this terrible and must be resolved somehow. All the scabies skin scrapes turned out negative. Anyone have further insights?

[nursebedlam]

wow,,, just makes me damn itchy reading these posts. I feel really sad for these elderly folks.

[Farkinott, RN]

It sounds like scabies to me. I have had scabies twice. The first time I wondered for a week or two. The second time I knew it was scabies cos their is NOTHING which itches quite as much or anywhere near the same!

ThTo be treated effectively you need to smother (from head to toe) those suffering in permethrin cream and one week later reapply the cream to the affected areas. This worked on me so I know it will work on the poor suffering oldies.

[Destinystar]

i agree with ktwlpn. in california nurses are not allowed to do scrapings to test for scabies only md's. do the staff have any symptoms? usually with scabies the staff have symptoms as well.

the ltc facility i am working at has at least 7 residents who are itchy and actually have scabs from scratching! they have been treated with elimite, methylprednisolone, atarax & hydrocortisone. this is driving me crazy, not to mention the poor residents. i have called the dr. repeatedly and talked to the adon & don. they don't seem very concerned. they haven't had anyone consult a dermatologist. tomorrow, i am going to the don again as i think this terrible and must be resolved somehow. all the scabies skin scrapes turned out negative. anyone have further insights?