The scabies are far from over. There are even more than 500 new cases per day in France. The story begins in the silence of an incubation of ten days, a month at most. Hardly any reddish lines under the skin can be noticed. These are the furrows that female sarcoptes (the parasite involved in scabies) create to lay their eggs. But these are the itching which will put the chip in the ear. Because they occur in places that could not be more embarrassing: under the nails (to keep short during the disease), between the fingers (feet and hands), on the nipples, around the navel, at the level of the genitals or folds, on the scalp… The itching redoubles in intensity in the evening and can even persist for 6 to 8 days after a treatment without it being a failure! Fortunately, the face and neck are most often spared.
Community life promotes the spread of parasites. They enjoy direct “skin to skin” contact, intimate or prolonged. Depending on the severity, oral (ivermectin, Stromectol®, prescription) or topical (in less than 15 kg) treatments will be indicated. They work by disrupting the functioning of the parasite’s nervous system, causing it to paralyze and then die. Except that, since they are not active on the eggs, a second burst is necessary 7 to 10 days later. And even without symptoms, the close entourage, and therefore the family, must also be treated.
As for the transmission by linen, bedding, sofas, it is weak but possible since the parasite remains infesting 48 to 72 hours outside the host. The environment must therefore also be treated. And this is no small feat.
Laundry used in the last 72 hours should be washed at 60 ° C. Some even recommend repeating the task every day for 14 days (this is the time that allows a larva to become an adult). More fragile textiles should be enclosed in a plastic bag, above 20 ° C, for at least 72 hours. This time can be reduced to 3 hours if an acaricide (type A-Par) is sprayed liberally in the bag. This acaricide will also be useful on mattresses, rugs, seats and carpets to be vacuumed with care bordering on mania.
Men, women, infants or the elderly, rich or poor, clean as a penny or less scrupulous hygiene, Sarcoptes scabiei hominis, the invisible mite responsible for scabies, does not discriminate. ?
To better detect the characteristic furrows of scabies, the doctor observes the skin with a magnifying lamp.
3 local treatments in pharmacies
Active in 8 hours : This thick permethrin-based cream should act for at least 8 hours. The tube will keep for 12 weeks once opened. Beware of allergy to chrysanthemums or other asteraceae.
Active in 12 hours: depallethrin and piperonyl butoxide make up this lotion to be sprayed once on the body (except the scalp) and left to act for 12 hours. The aerosol stores well but should not be used by asthmatics.
Active in 24 hours: This milky emulsion based on methyl benzoate is brushed in 2 successive layers 10-15 minutes apart after a hot shower or bath, and acts in 24 hours. It can be kept for 10 days after opening. |
For further
Scabies epidemic: Eastern France on alert
How to protect yourself from scabies