GALE
Scabies is a skin disease caused by a parasite invisible to the naked eye: the sarcoptes scabel. This mite burrows under the surface of the skin and feeds on it, where it lays its eggs. Although not serious, scabies is nevertheless highly contagious.
Classical human scabies is only slightly contagious through short-term contact. Its transmission requires direct direct, intimate and prolonged human contact. It can be transmitted throughexchanges/tries on clothingthrough bed linen but also through furniture including fabric. It is therefore not considered an STI, but is nonetheless sexually transmissible. Contrary to certain preconceived ideas, it affects all age groups and populations, and makes no distinction in terms of hygiene.
- very intense itching, especially in the evening and at night. This itching is due to the eggs laid by the female under the skin.
- Characteristic lesions are furrows of a few millimetres with small red elevations. They are not always present.
- small translucent vesicles
- red/brown buttons
In people with HIV, scabies is very common and symptoms can vary considerably, making diagnosis difficult.
Although it does not have serious direct consequences, untreated scabies can have significant consequences:
- superinfections due to scratching
- For people whose immune systems are compromised by illness or medication, scabies can take a more severe and widespread form.
Scabies can be detected by medical examination of the lesions and/or by taking a sample for analysis.
- Simultaneously treat all affected family members with oral and/or topical (cream) anti-parasite medication
AND
- Clean textiles in living areas (linen, bedding, sofas, carpets, etc.) at a high temperature (60°C), use a steam cleaner to vaporize anything that cannot be machine-washed, and disinfect textiles that cannot be machine-washed using a powder or spray, sealing them in an airtight bag for 72 hours (if no spray is used).
- Steam what cannot be washed in a washing machine
- Disinfect textiles that cannot be machine washed with powder or spray and lock them in the freezer for 48 hours or in an airtight bag for 72 hours (if no spray)
Scabies is highly contagious as soon as prolonged contact (family, sexual partners). Treating yourself is therefore not enough! Itching can persist for up to 2 weeks after a well-managed treatment.
- avoid sexual intercourse during treatment.
- avoid attending day-care centers, schools, nursing homes, retirement homes, etc. during treatment.
