According to the study conducted by the Dermatology Clinic of Bezmialem Vakıf University Hospital, an increase of 2 and a half times in scabies cases was detected.
Explaining the reasons for this increase in scabies cases, Dermatology Specialist Prof. Dr. Özlem Su Küçük said, “The increase in the contact of people who are locked in the houses during the quarantine process - especially crowded families - and the ignoring of this process, which causes symptoms with itching to eliminate the risk of COVID-19 transmission, has led to an increase in the cases of scabies.
Bezmialem Vakıf University Faculty of Medicine Vice Dean and Dermatology Department Lecturer Prof. Dr. Özlem Su Küçük stated the following in her statement regarding the increase and increase in scabies cases:
“In the study conducted by the Dermatology Clinic of Bezmialem Vakıf University Hospital, the date ranges of March-September 2019 and March-September 2020 were compared, and a two and a half-fold increase in scabies cases was detected. While the number of patients admitted to the Dermatology outpatient clinic in 2019 was 36, this number decreased to 500 in 2020, but the rate of scabies, which was 26 percent in 200, increased to 2019 percent in 0,71. The fact that people stay in a closed environment during the quarantine process has led to an increase in domestic contamination, especially in crowded families. In addition, people with itching complaints did not apply to the hospital for fear of pandemics, and delays in treatment were experienced. Delay in treatment, on the other hand, has caused the risk of further spread of the disease, but also caused treatment resistance. "
"Scabies" Alarm in European Countries
Stating that they have observed that scabies cases are increasing in our country for the last 5 years, Prof. Dr. Özlem Su Küçük said, “When we looked at the literature, similar to our study, we came across a study from Spain that drew attention to the scabies epidemic in the COVID-19 pandemic. In this study, it is stated that people's closure at home, the increase of time spent with relatives at home, and the fact that people cannot apply to the doctor unless it is very necessary in this period are effective in the epidemic of scabies.
2 Important Symptoms of Scabies!
Stating that there are two important symptoms of scabies, Prof. Dr. Özlem Su Küçük, “The disease caused by the subcutaneous implantation of the Sarcoptes scabei hominis mite, a parasite species similar to a lice, invisible to the eye; It causes itching, rash and skin sores in different parts of the body. Severe itching, which increases especially at night, and similar itching and rash in the same family members are the two most important warning signs. Patients can apply to the doctor with itching and red rashes, sometimes small water-filled blisters, sometimes dirty-looking tunnels, small crusts, which increase mostly at night and in the heat. Waist and belly circumference, inner wrist, fingers, hips, armpits, breast area in women, genital area in men are more frequently involved. Unlike in infants and elderly people; Palms and soles, face, neck and even the whole body can be affected ”he said.
Is Every Itch Scabies Symptom?
Prof. Dr. Özlem Su Küçük said, “Scabies, which is easily transmitted from person to person by physical contact (direct contact), is not transmitted from animals such as cats and dogs to humans. The disease can also be transmitted through items that can carry the parasite. Scabies, which spreads more easily among people who wear the same clothes or share the same bed or the same towel, is transmitted regardless of age and gender. Of course, not every itch is a sign of scabies. Itching has many different causes. However, as we mentioned, itching worsening at night, small red rashes and similar complaints especially in other family members are warning signs.
Precautions Against Scabies
Stating that scabies is very contagious, Prof. Dr. Özlem Su Küçük said, “It can be transmitted by prolonged skin contact (contact longer than 20 minutes) such as holding hands, dancing, and sexual intercourse. It can also be transmitted by sharing clothing, bedding or towels that have been used by someone with scabies. Since scabies is mostly transmitted through direct physical contact, it can easily be transmitted to family members and friends. All clothes and belongings should be cleaned at home. Patients should have a good bath after the treatment, all clothes, bed linen, bedding and covers should be washed at 60 degrees and ironed with hot iron. "It is recommended to keep items that cannot be washed in a sealed bag for about 3 days."
Scabies Treatment Should Be Applied to All Family Members Simultaneously
Prof. Dr. Özlem Su Küçük said, “The most important rule in treatment is that individuals and family members who share the same environment should also apply 1 course of treatment simultaneously, even if they do not have any complaints. In this sense; It is very important for people with suspected itching to consult a doctor, taking correct and adequate treatment and preventing the spread. Often, medications in the form of lotions and creams, which can be applied to the body surface and vary in amount depending on the age and condition of the patient, are recommended. These should be applied carefully according to the use and frequency of use recommended by the doctor. If there is no response to drugs applied to the skin surface, oral medication is recommended. In parallel with the treatment, applications aimed at eliminating parasites in objects are also recommended. Sometimes, antiallergic drugs can be added to the treatment to reduce itching, ”he concluded.
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