TRNC Medical Association informed the public about the increasing incidence of scabies in the country

The Turkish Cypriot Medical Association informed the public about the increasing incidence of scabies in our country.

The statement made is as follows:

As the Cyprus Turkish Medical Association, we would like to inform our people about the increasing incidence of scabies in our country.

According to the data of the World Health Organization (WHO), scabies affects approximately 200 million people worldwide. Scabies can be seen all over the world, but it is more common in hot, tropical and densely populated countries.

What is scabies?
There is Sarcoptes Scabei, whose scabies is invisible to the human eye . It is a very itchy and contagious skin disease caused by a parasite called Hominis .

How is the disease transmitted?
It is transmitted from person to person by close contact lasting 15-20 minutes, such as sleeping in the same bed and using common clothes. It is not easy to be transmitted by just a handshake. It is easier to be transmitted in public areas such as schools, barracks, nursing homes, those with weak immune systems, children and the elderly.

What are the symptoms of the disease?
The most important symptom of the disease is itching, which occurs 4-6 weeks after the parasite is transmitted to the person, especially at night and in the heat. Itching is most severe in areas where the skin is thinner, such as between the fingers, inner face of the wrist, armpits. Itching around the nipples in women and genital area in men is very typical. While the palms and soles of the feet, face and neck region are not usually affected in adults, itching and skin signs of the disease are also seen in infants and children in these areas.

The most prominent skin lesion of the disease is the structures called tunnels with a length of 1-10 mm, white colored, in which the parasite lives, most commonly observed between the fingers. Apart from this, itching marks, small blisters and dandruff-crusted lesions can be seen on the skin due to itching.

When should a doctor be consulted?
It would be appropriate to consult a dermatologist in cases of itching that is new, especially increasing at night, triggered in hot environments, and if there is a history of contact with people diagnosed with scabies.

How is it treated? What should be considered during treatment?
Scabies is treated with creams and lotions applied to the body. The treatment is administered in 2 doses, 1 week apart. 2. Post-dose treatment is considered complete.

Care should be taken to apply the treatment to be applied to the body without leaving any empty space on the entire body surface.

All clothes, laundry and bed linen used in the last week must be washed and ironed at at least 60 degrees.

It will be sufficient to store the items that cannot be washed in the sealed bag for 3-4 days. It should be known that scabies mites cannot live more than 3-4 days outside the human body.

The most important factor affecting the success of treatment is the simultaneous treatment of all family members sharing the same living environment, even if they do not have active complaints at that time.
It should not be forgotten that even after successful treatment, itching and disease symptoms may continue for 2-6 weeks.

What are the ways to prevent the disease?
The only way to prevent scabies directly is to avoid close contact with infected people and to avoid using items such as shared clothing or bedding. The most important step to prevent the transmission of scabies is the treatment of family members living with the infected person.

What should be done if scabies is detected in any student in schools?
To prevent the spread of scabies, if a student is diagnosed with scabies, anyone who has had close physical contact with the person should be treated immediately, whether they have a complaint or not. One day after receiving treatment, children can continue their education at school. Environmental spraying with pesticide sprays is unnecessary and not recommended.

Cyprus Turkish Medical Association Board of Directors (a)
Dr. Senel Beydola, MD
board member