Roger-Luc Chayer (Image: AI / Gay Globe)
Here is another parasite that has seen a notable resurgence within LGBTQ+ communities, similar to chlamydia, gonorrhea, and syphilis.
Scabies is a skin condition caused by a tiny parasite called the mite. Though resembling an insect, it is distinct. The female mite lays its eggs just below the skin’s surface. After three to four days, the eggs hatch, and the young mites migrate to the surface of the skin, where they reach maturity. Once they are adults, they mate and continue their life cycle, gradually worsening the infestation. Scabies is found worldwide, including in New Brunswick.
What are the symptoms?
The most common symptom of scabies is persistent itching, which intensifies over time, usually four to six weeks after the initial infection. In more advanced cases, small white burrows left by the mites can sometimes be observed under the skin, forming slightly raised, wavy lines. These itching sensations are often accompanied by a red rash.
The areas most frequently affected are the folds between the fingers, the inner wrists, elbows, chest, male genital area, abdomen, back, and buttocks. In babies, scabies can also appear on the neck, which is rare in adults.
How is it transmitted?
Scabies primarily spreads through direct, prolonged skin-to-skin contact with an infected person. It can also spread, though less frequently, through indirect contact, such as sharing clothing, towels, or sleeping in a bed that has been used by an infected person. While scabies can be inconvenient, it can affect anyone, regardless of personal hygiene.
How is it diagnosed?
Itching and skin rashes can have various causes. Only a doctor can confirm the presence of scabies. To make a diagnosis, a doctor will take a small skin sample using a scraping method, which is then examined under a microscope.
Who can contract scabies?
Anyone exposed to the mites responsible for scabies is susceptible to infection. However, some groups are more vulnerable to severe forms, including young children, the elderly, and those with weakened immune systems.
How can scabies infections be prevented?
Prevention involves avoiding direct skin-to-skin contact with an infected person, as well as handling contaminated items like clothing or bedding. If a household member has scabies, it’s likely that others will be infected, even if symptoms are absent. Therefore, it is recommended that all household members be treated simultaneously.
How is scabies treated?
Specific lotions and creams available at pharmacies can effectively treat scabies. It is essential to follow the provided instructions carefully to ensure the treatment is effective.
After treatment, wear clean clothes and replace bedding. All recently used clothing, towels, bed linens, and kitchen items should be washed in hot water with detergent. Items that cannot be washed should be set aside for at least three days before reuse.
It is generally not necessary to disinfect mattresses or furniture, but vacuuming the entire house, including upholstered and upholstered furniture, is recommended. Mites cannot survive more than two or three days outside human skin.
Without falling into stereotypes, public health officials in Quebec suggest that LGBTQ+ individuals may be more susceptible to contracting this infection due to the frequency of close physical contact. Research confirms that this parasite often spreads through direct skin-to-skin contact. However, since scabies is a type of mite (arachnid), infection can also occur in other contexts, such as sleeping on contaminated bedding or through indirect, non-sexual contact.
Because scabies is difficult to diagnose and can be confused with other conditions that cause itching and scratch-related lesions, doctors and dermatologists are the only professionals who can make an accurate diagnosis.