Two scabies outbreaks were detected last January in Lanzarote, according to the General Directorate of Public Health of the Canary Islands. Known as scabies, it is a parasitic infestation that is spread by skin-to-skin contact and produces intense itching and rashes. La Voz has been able to speak with the General Director of Epidemiology, Eduardo García-Ramos, who has revealed the particularities of the contagious disease.
On the island, the infections occurred in nursing homes and schools, the places where there is the most contact with people in our environment. "These are the frequent places where we mix with more people," the epidemiologist highlighted. Infections that are not worrying for Eduardo. "It is no more than common, so we have not noticed anything strange," he added.
It is not the first time that cases have appeared in Lanzarote, as there were other infections in 2023. "Some were detected last year, but it is nothing to worry about," warns the specialist. The most annoying thing about suffering from it is the effects it causes. "It is only annoying the discomfort of having the symptoms," he pointed out. The instinctive movement of scratching is what can produce wounds on the skin. "It is the skin lesions and those caused by scratching that require attention," the doctor pointed out as important.
Cure in 24 hours
A quick cure due to the superficiality of the disease in people. "It only affects the skin, but does not penetrate the body," he makes clear. Taking measures to eliminate the parasite, the Sarcoptes scabiei mite, makes its elimination occur quickly, in 24 hours. "If the necessary measures are adopted and in a synchronized manner with those affected, it is completely controlled in one day," added García.
Permethrin cream is the specific treatment to eliminate scabies in the body of patients. "It is what is used, although in case of resistance, it can be prescribed orally," the epidemiologist revealed as a cure.
In addition, it is not the only measure to take into account when contracting scabies. Washing clothes or removing them for a few days will be necessary as a precaution to avoid becoming infected again. "You have to wash the clothes in hot water at 60 degrees to disable the mite, or put it in a dark garbage bag and keep it for three days," the man recommends. A very effective way for "the germ to disappear," he reminds readers.
Another specific precaution that should be taken to heal is to treat each other jointly. "You have to act at both levels, everything to avoid re-infection," recommends the specialist. Curing equally in the same family nucleus is essential. "If I treat myself today and the family member who lives with me is not treated at the same time, the germ can move throughout the environment," he says.
End its stigma
The social stigma that exists around scabies is notable in society. Tackling the problem from education is the key to undoing its prejudices. "It must be addressed from the educational aspect, to avoid rejection and that it is associated with dirt and abnormal behaviors," he reveals.
"Its stigma should be addressed from education”
The epidemiologist relates the situation of scabies to lice, a much more normalized contagion. "I give the example of lice, which are larger mites and that we have already internalized," he concludes.
