Scabies is a
communicable skin disease that manifests as intense itching (especially at
night) and rashes - the distribution of which is shown below.
It is caused by a mite called
Sarcoptes scabiei, which is a
parasite that burrows into, resides and reproduces in human skin. Scabies
usually spreads through direct skin contact with the infested people. Their
clothing and bedding may also carry the mites/eggs and transmit the disease.
Treatment
- Apply topical medicated creams/lotions (5%
permethrin or benzoyl benzoate) and take drugs (ivermectin) according to the doctor’s advice
to kill the mites and control itching respectively. Itching may persist for about a month sometimes despite appropriate treatment.
- Family members and close friends of the infested
persons should also seek medical advice and receive treatment if necessary.
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| Scabies mite |
Additional Precautions
- Wash hands thoroughly before and after contact
with the infested person.
- Wash the clothing, towels and bed linen of the
infested persons separately. These items should be washed in hot water at 60°C
or above, for not less than 10 minutes so as to kill the mites and its eggs.
- Place non-washable items in a plastic bag and
seal up for at least 14 days before reuse.
- Clean shared-use equipment/ devices with
detergent before using on other persons.
- Discard shared-use or suspected contaminated
creams and lotions.
Prevention
- Keep good personal hygiene, wash hands and body
frequently.
- Regularly change into clean clothing, towels and
bed linen.
- Avoid sharing clothing and personal items with
others.
-
Perform skin inspection for institutionalised
residents regularly for early identification of infestation.
