Atypical scabies in systemic lupus erythematosus.

Recent reports have increasingly linked scabies with congenital or acquired immunosuppression. It is important to be aware of this form of infestation, because its unusual clinical signs may be easily overlooked. Scabies can mimic several diseases, including cutaneous or systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE). However, the infestation has rarely been reported in patients with SLE. The objective of this report is to describe a rare case of atypical (exaggerated) scabies in SLE that illustrates a pitfall in the recognition of the infestation, since such recognition took place belatedly. We hope that this case will draw attention to the possibility of scabies whenever a widespread erythematosquamous dermatosis develops in a case of SLE.