Neglected Tropical Diseases (NTDs) have long been overlooked in Ghana and the world.
According to Health Promotion Officer and Disease Control officer with the Tema Health Metro Portia Ntiful and Linda Agyapong, some common neglected tropical diease in Ghana like Scabies can be detrimental to one’s health if early detection and subsequent medication is not prescribed to curb it.
Speaking on Plan B FM Health show, Apomuden Fie, the health Professionals disclosed that the disease is a skin infestation caused by a mite.
And if left untreated, these microscopic mites can live on our skin for months.
“They reproduce on the surface of your skin and then burrow into it and lay eggs. This causes an itchy, red rash to form on the skin”
“While it’s a highly contagious condition that can easily be passed from one person to another through direct skin contact, scabies isn’t a sexually transmitted disease.’’ They added
The health Professionals also indicated that the infestation of mites may also be transmitted through infested clothing or bedding. Intimate contact isn’t necessary.
“Although scabies can be bothersome, they can usually be eliminated effectively. Treatment often consists of medications that kill scabies mites and their eggs”
“Since scabies is so contagious, doctors will usually recommend treatment for an entire group of people who are in frequent contact with a person who has scabies”
They also made mention of a number of symptoms that are associated with scabies;
“After the initial exposure to scabies, it can take up to six weeks for symptoms to appear. The symptoms usually develop more quickly in people who have had scabies before’’
“The symptoms of scabies include a rash and intense itching that gets worse at night. Continuous scratching of the infected area can create sores that become infected. If this occurs, additional treatment with antibiotics for the skin infection may be recommended”
“Common sites for scabies in older children and adults include the nipple, armpit, elbow, wrist, elbow, penis, waist, between fingers etc’’
Furthermore, the health officer’s aslo advise people to involve the use of prescription ointments, creams, and lotions that can be applied directly to the skin. Oral medications are also available.
‘’We will advise everybody to see their doctors so they can instruct them to apply the medicine at night when the mites are most active. You may need to treat all of your skin from the neck down. The medicine can be washed off the following morning’’
Discussion about this post