Skin disease on the rise Doctors warn of increase in cases of scabies

Aachen · Scabies have not been an issue in Germany for a long time. But Aachen is reporting a significant increase in the disease and it’s not only a problem there.

Dermatologists believe scabies is on the rise. Although there are no concrete figures, the Association of German Dermatologists are seeing an increase in the number of cases of the skin disease. The diagnosis and treatment of the itchy skin condition is taking on a more important role in medical training. Spokesperson for the professional association, Ralf Blumenthal says the number of cases in the Aachen area has been going up for years. Cases of scabies reported in schools and day-cares in the Aachen area have increased from eleven in 2013 to 316 cases in 2016.

“There is no explanation for this increase,” says regional spokesperson Detlef Funken. In Krefeld, doctors have also noticed an unusually high number of cases of scabies. Berhard Korge, dermatologist and lecturer at the University of Cologne says he is aware of further cases in Euskirchen, Cologne and Düsseldorf through his contact with colleagues. Scabies is a skin infestation caused by a tiny mite which can live on the surface of the skin. The mites burrow into the skin, laying eggs. It causes a rash with severe itching and is highly contagious. It can be transmitted through skin contact or infested clothing or bedding.

People with dry skin are more affected than people with oily skin. Doctors say the diagnosis has become more difficult because the clinical appearance has changed and can resemble eczema. Although it can take awhile to get an accurate diagnosis, once a patient has received the proper treatment, after one day they are no longer infectious.

The risk of infection is particularly high when people are together in small areas. Not only schools but hotel beds, senior citizen homes and hospitals can be places where the disease is transmitted. According to the North Rhine-Westphalia Ministry of Health, cases of the disease in day-cares and schools are reported to municipal health authorities. The Ministry estimates the number of cases in urban areas to be very low. Regional authorities have published an information brochure. For those who are infected, the cleaning regime is stringent. Clothing, towels and bed linens must be changed daily and washed at 60°C. Things that cannot be washed must be packed into an airtight plastic bag for seven days. Upholstery, mattresses and furniture must be vacuumed daily.

(Orig. text: ga)

Meistgelesen
Neueste Artikel
Zum Thema
Aus dem Ressort