NPHC Experts Advise: How to Protect Oneself from Skin Condition Called Scabies

The National Public Health Centre under the Ministry of Health informs that this year more cases of scabies have been registered in the country so far than throughout the last year. According to the data possessed by NPHC, 575 cases of scabies were reported in 2022, compared to 591 in January-October this year. The highest number of cases is reported in autumn and winter months. Children and people in close contact with the patient in a group (kindergarten, school, nursing homes) are more likely to be affected. This article explains how scabies is contracted, what the symptoms are and how to avoid it.

Scabies is caused by small scabies mites. The most common symptoms of scabies are intense itching and a pimple-like skin rash. The mites can spread over the skin of the whole body, but usually affect the skin of the hands, wrists, elbows, chest, armpits, waist and groin.

Scabies mites spread from person to person by close contact or by sharing bed linen, clothing and other personal hygiene items with an infected person. The infected person transmits the disease and can infect others from the very start of infection until the end of treatment.

People who have never been infected with scabies notice the first signs 4-6 weeks after coming into contact with a person with scabies.

"Scabies can be reinfected. In this case, infected persons may experience the first signs much sooner, as early as 1-7 days after infection," - explains Milda Žygutienė, Chief Specialist for Communicable Disease Management Division at NPHC.
Prolonged exposure to the disease can lead to intense itching, nervous and psychological problems as well as secondary skin infections.

How to avoid scabies

The first thing a person infected with scabies should do is to contact a doctor who will prescribe an appropriate treatment. In fact, all family members and other persons who have had direct skin contact with the patient should be examined by a doctor and, if necessary, treated.

"It is very important to follow the rules of hygiene: shower, use only personal care items, change underwear. It is advisable to wash bed linen and clothes that have been used four days before treatment in hot water (60℃) with detergent. Clothes that cannot be washed should be put in plastic bags and kept for one week. Vacuum soft furniture, wash toys in hot water with soap, and dry them. Clean the patient's room daily with a damp cloth," - advises the NPHC specialist.

Last updated: 13-11-2023

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