What condition is characterized by severe crusting and is commonly seen in immunocompromised patients?

Norwegian scabies, also known as crusted scabies, is a condition that occurs due to an infestation of the skin by the Sarcoptes scabiei mite. It is particularly notable for causing severe crusting and scaling of the skin. This form of scabies is often seen in immunocompromised patients, including those with HIV/AIDS, the elderly, or individuals with other conditions that compromise the immune system.

The crusts that develop in Norwegian scabies are thick, crusty areas filled with mites and eggs, leading to secondary infections and significant morbidity. In immunocompromised patients, the typical immune response to scabies is diminished, allowing for an overwhelming infestation which manifests with extensive skin lesions.

This distinct presentation is what sets Norwegian scabies apart from other dermatologic conditions and forms of scabies, which may present with fewer symptoms and less severe skin crusting. In more typical forms of scabies, the lesions are localized and cause intense itching without the extensive crusting that characterizes Norwegian scabies.

Conditions such as psoriasis and eczema can also involve the skin extensively, but they are generally not associated with crusting due to parasitic infestation and do not particularly predispose immunocompromised patients to more severe manifestations like Norwegian