Why scabies and ringworm occur, what to do if they occur
Source: Prothom Alo
Many people have the misconception that scabies only affects people living in dirty environments. This is a very wrong idea. This disease is seen in those who do not follow cleanliness. However, even a clean person can get infected due to contact with an infected person. Therefore, cleanliness alone cannot provide complete protection from this disease.
Professor Dr. Hasibur Rahman, Director of Clear Skin Center Dhanmondi and Senior Consultant of Evercare Hospital, said these things in an online discussion titled 'Healthy Skin Stories' jointly organized by Prothom Alo.com and SKF Dermatology. The program was hosted by Suraiya Ahmed, Senior Brand Manager of SKF Pharmaceuticals Limited.
There is still neglect about scabies and ringworm, there are various misconceptions and lack of awareness about its treatment. Therefore, in this episode of the discussion, Professor Dr. Hasibur Rahman gave various awareness suggestions about scabies and ringworm. Last Saturday, it was broadcast live on Prothom Alo.com and Prothom Alo, SKF Oncology and SKF's Facebook pages.
At the beginning of the discussion, the presenter wants to know, what is the reason for the current outbreak of scabies and ringworm in almost the entire country?
In response, Professor Dr. Hasibur Rahman said that there are several reasons for this. The main ones are lack of awareness, lack of proper treatment and problems in diagnosis. In addition, the disease is spreading easily due to changes in people's immunity and taking steroids and unnecessary antibiotics. In addition, the effectiveness of some medicines has decreased and sometimes patients stop taking the medicine midway without taking the right dose and for the specified period. This is also a big reason for this disease.
Are scabies and ringworm both contagious diseases? In response to a question from the presenter, Dr. Hasibur Rahman said that both scabies and ringworm are contagious diseases. However, it depends on the person's immunity. Those who suffer from malnutrition, those who have uncontrolled diabetes and those who have taken steroid-like drugs for a long time, the disease spreads quickly due to their low immunity. Apart from this, if one person in a family is infected with these diseases, there is a risk of everyone else being infected.
What special rules should patients follow while receiving treatment? When asked, Professor Dr. Hasibur Rahman said that it is very important to follow several rules along with treatment. The most important thing is not to use any steroid-like medicine without a doctor's advice. Although steroids temporarily reduce the disease, it returns with double the strength later, which makes diagnosis and treatment difficult. Apart from this, a correct diagnosis must be made by a certified doctor. The medicine cannot be stopped until the course is completed.
In this context, Dr. Hasibur Rahman further said, if someone has diabetes, then it must be kept under control. At the same time, treatment of all family members must be ensured. Used clothes and towels should be washed with hot water or ironed before use.
When asked if these skin diseases have any connection with Covid, Dr. Hasibur Rahman said, "Patients often ask this question and there is a common belief among them that these diseases are increasing since Covid. However, this has not been proven by any scientific research so far. More research is needed on this."
Regarding the relationship between diabetes and food, Dr. Hasibur Rahman said, uncontrolled diabetes weakens the body's immune system. As a result, these diseases do not get better easily. Therefore, it is important to control diabetes before treatment. These diseases have no direct relationship with food. Only if someone is not allergic to a specific food, then he can avoid that food for some time.
Why does scabies itching increase at night? When asked, Dr. Hasibur Rahman said that scabies is mainly caused by an infection with a parasite called Sarcoptes. This parasite is inactive during the day, but at night when the body is calm, they start moving under the skin. This movement causes a reaction in the skin, as a result of which the itching increases greatly at night.
Regarding the correct rules for using scabies ointment, Professor Dr. Hasibur Rahman said, scabies ointment should be applied to the entire body, from head to toe, except for the face. If applied only to the affected area, the germs spread to other areas. The ointment should be left on the body for a specific time, i.e. 8 to 12 hours, and then washed off.
The presenter wants to know why ringworm spreads so quickly? In response, Dr. Hasibur Rahman said that the main reason for the rapid spread of ringworm is the incorrect use of steroid medicines or ointments. When steroids are used, the fungus is temporarily suppressed. But when the steroid use is stopped, it spreads dangerously and quickly throughout the body. Not being able to prevent itching is also a reason for the rapid spread of ringworm.
In this context, Dr. Hasibur Rahman also said that those who wear shoes and socks for a long time, especially those with less space between their toes, are more likely to develop ringworm on their feet.
Overall, the discussion revealed that although scabies and ringworm are both skin diseases, their prevalence has increased so much that it has become necessary to create awareness at the social level. It is possible to recover quickly from these diseases only by maintaining cleanliness, keeping personal belongings separate, and taking appropriate treatment as per the doctor's advice. In order to deal with a situation like an epidemic, it is necessary to take collective efforts from everyone, both family and society, in addition to individual efforts.
