Health
What is the Treatment For Scabies?
What is the Treatment For Scabies?
The mites that cause scabies burrow into the top layer of the epidermis. In three to four days, an adult female mite will lay her eggs, which hatch into adult mites within one to two weeks.
The mite feces and proteins produce an allergic reaction in the patient, resulting in an intense itch and rash. Most individuals have between 10 and 15 mites on their skin.
Crusted scabies is a hyper-infestation with thousands to millions of mites
Crashed scabies is a rare skin disease with a characteristic thick crust and high mite density.
It affects the immune system and is highly contagious, with several nosocomial outbreaks of OS occurring from index scabies.
It is difficult to treat because the thick crusts contain many mites. In severe cases, the crusts can be so thick that they form deep fissures.
Mites may be found in skin scrapes and feces. In severe cases, scabies mites can burrow into the skin and cause a painful rash, with excessive flaking and scaling.
It can be highly contagious, as infested surfaces are likely to spread the infection to others.
People with weak immune systems or learning disabilities are at higher risk of getting scabies than others.
it is itchy
If you are trying to find out if it is itchy to treat scabies, then you have come to the right place.
Treatment for scabies does not have to be painful or itchy, but it should not spread the disease to other people.
You should be aware that the symptoms will last for up to two weeks after treatment.
If they do not disappear, they may require repeat treatment or oral medication.
Antihistamines are effective for treating scabies. The antihistamines you use are usually allergy medicines that you can buy at the local drug store.
Be sure to read the directions for the medicine to get the best results.
Antihistamines can also be used as anti-itch creams. However, it is not recommended to apply Benadryl cream for scabies, as the latter may make you drowsy.
Scabicide lotions
Scabicide lotions and creams contain permethrin, a chemical that kills the mites that cause scabies.
This chemical is typically applied to the affected area, starting at the neck and moving down the body to the feet and toes.
The product should be left on for eight to fourteen hours and washed off afterward.
The skin should be cleaned before applying scabicide lotion or cream.
To treat scabies, the infected area needs to be inspected.
The symptoms of scabies include intense itching and a rash that resembles pimples in a tunnel shape.
The itching may be especially intense at night. Some people may even develop sores due to scratching.
The symptoms usually appear four to eight weeks after contact with the infested area, though it may develop in just one day if you’ve had scabies before.
While there are no OTC scabicides approved for human use, some products may be available in the market that contains 5% permethrin.
It can be treated with ivermectin
Ivermectin is an effective treatment for scabies and is relatively safe. However, there are concerns about its safety.
While there are no studies on the efficacy of this medication for the treatment of Aboriginal scabies, a limited number of trials have examined it in older adults.
These studies were mostly conducted in a single center and involved a small number of patients. Scabies can be treated with ivermectin, which is also available in pill form.
However, it is not recommended for pregnant women, nursing mothers, children under 33 pounds, and people with lowered immune systems.
The drug has not been proven to be safe for scabies, and it may limit future treatment options.
However, this medication can kill mites quickly, and it can be safely used in other skin care products.
The medication is highly effective against scabies and other skin diseases, and it has many potential health benefits.
This medication is effective for combating many diseases and offers potential health benefits to entire communities.
The Mectizan Donation Programme provides free ivermectin treatments in low-resource settings.
This initiative uses social media to provide treatments to people who need them.
Conclusion
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Health
Iowa Reports First Fatal Case of Ebola-like Lassa Fever Following Travel to West Africa
Iowa Reports First Fatal Case of Ebola-like Lassa Fever Following Travel to West Africa
Iowa health officials recently confirmed a fatal case of Lassa fever, an Ebola-like viral disease, in a person who had recently traveled to West Africa.
This incident has raised concerns about Lassa fever’s risks, transmission methods, and potential impacts on public health, especially as it is one of the few recorded cases of this virus in the United States.
This article will provide an in-depth overview of Lassa fever, its origins, symptoms, transmission risks, and the measures people can take to protect themselves and those around them.
Understanding Lassa Fever
What is Lassa Fever?
Lassa fever is a hemorrhagic virus similar in presentation to Ebola, transmitted primarily by contact with food or objects contaminated with infected rodent urine or feces.
This viral disease is common in parts of West Africa, where an estimated 100,000 to 300,000 cases are reported annually. Though many cases go unreported, the virus can cause severe illness and death in severe cases, particularly in patients with underlying health conditions.
Lassa Fever vs. Ebola: What’s the Difference?
Both Lassa fever and Ebola are viral hemorrhagic fevers, but they differ in their method of transmission, symptom severity, and geographical reach.
While Ebola spreads through human-to-human contact, Lassa fever is mainly rodent-borne and spread through direct or indirect exposure to rodents’ excretions.
Ebola outbreaks have historically shown higher fatality rates, but Lassa fever is often underreported, making mortality comparisons challenging.
Origins and Transmission of Lassa Fever
Where Does Lassa Fever Come From?
Lassa fever was first identified in 1969 in Nigeria and has since remained endemic in countries like Sierra Leone, Liberia, Guinea, and Nigeria.
The Mastomys rat, or “multimammate rat,” serves as the natural reservoir for the virus and is a common species in West African regions, leading to frequent human contact and possible transmission.
How is Lassa Fever Transmitted?
Transmission occurs mainly through:
- Direct contact with infected rodents’ urine or droppings.
- Ingestion of contaminated food or household items.
- Human-to-human transmission in healthcare settings due to improper hygiene practices or exposure to bodily fluids of infected individuals.
The virus does not spread through casual contact, making general public spread less likely unless in close contact with contaminated surfaces or bodily fluids.
Symptoms of Lassa Fever
Early Symptoms
Early symptoms of Lassa fever can be mild, leading to undiagnosed cases or delayed medical attention.
Symptoms typically appear 1-3 weeks after exposure and may include:
- Fever and fatigue
- Sore throat and cough
- Nausea, vomiting, and diarrhea
- Abdominal and chest pain
Severe Symptoms and Complications
As the disease progresses, patients may develop more severe symptoms like:
- Hemorrhaging from gums, eyes, or nose
- Facial swelling and fluid in the lungs
- Seizures and confusion
- Organ failure
While some patients recover within weeks, severe complications can arise, especially in pregnant women and individuals with preexisting health conditions.
Diagnosis and Treatment
How is Lassa Fever Diagnosed?
Diagnosis requires specialized laboratory testing, as Lassa fever’s early symptoms resemble many other viral illnesses.
Polymerase chain reaction (PCR) tests and ELISA (enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay) can identify viral RNA and antibodies in blood samples, aiding in accurate diagnosis.
Treatment Options
Antiviral medication, such as ribavirin, has shown promise in reducing symptoms when administered early. Supportive care, including rehydration, oxygen therapy, and blood transfusions, is crucial for severe cases.
However, there is no universally approved vaccine, making prevention through hygiene and rodent control vital.
Preventive Measures for Lassa Fever
Minimizing Contact with Rodents
Effective rodent control is essential in areas where Lassa fever is prevalent. Keeping food in rodent-proof containers, clearing homes of food scraps, and storing waste away from living spaces can minimize exposure to rodent excretions.
Maintaining Hygiene in Healthcare Settings
In hospitals, isolation protocols and rigorous hygiene practices, including the use of gloves, masks, and proper disposal of waste, are critical to prevent transmission from infected individuals to healthcare workers or family members.
Public Health Concerns and Global Impact
Why Should We Be Concerned About Lassa Fever?
While cases outside of West Africa are rare, the recent case in Iowa illustrates the potential for Lassa fever to appear in non-endemic regions.
Increased global travel poses risks, necessitating enhanced screening and awareness, especially for travelers returning from high-risk areas.
The Role of the CDC and WHO
The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) and the World Health Organization (WHO) play significant roles in monitoring and controlling Lassa fever outbreaks.
Both organizations work closely with local health agencies to provide guidelines, support diagnosis, and enhance preventive measures.
Conclusion
The tragic loss of life due to Lassa fever in Iowa serves as a stark reminder of the potential dangers of hemorrhagic fevers. Increased awareness, hygiene measures, and public health vigilance are essential to prevent future cases and protect communities.
As international travel grows, so does the need for education on preventing and responding to rare but deadly diseases like Lassa fever.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
1. Can Lassa fever be spread through the air?
No, Lassa fever is not airborne. It spreads through contact with rodent excretions or bodily fluids of an infected person.
2. Is there a vaccine available for Lassa fever?
Currently, there is no FDA-approved vaccine for Lassa fever, though researchers are actively working on developing one.
3. What regions are considered high-risk for Lassa fever?
High-risk regions include West African countries such as Nigeria, Sierra Leone, Liberia, and Guinea, where the Mastomys rodent is prevalent.
4. What should travelers do to protect themselves from Lassa fever?
Travelers to endemic regions should avoid contact with rodents, keep food secured, and wash hands frequently. It’s wise to stay updated on health advisories from the CDC.
5. How can healthcare facilities prevent Lassa fever spread?
Hospitals can reduce risks by implementing stringent hygiene protocols, using personal protective equipment, and isolating infected patients to prevent cross-contamination.
References :
Health
Understanding Menstrual Allergy: What You Need to Know
Understanding Menstrual Allergy: What You Need to Know
REFERENCE:
https://www.healthwellnessjournal.com/menstrual-allergy-guide
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