Summary
- Aurukun skin checks run from 2–13 November.
- Residents should seek treatment and follow prevention advice.
The Torres and Cape Hospital and Health Service will host two weeks of skin health checks at Aurukun between 2-13 November.
Torres and Cape Public Health Medical Officer Dr Allison Hempenstall said the clinics were being held in response to a community request following recent incidents of scabies and other skin infections.
Dr Hempenstall said health service staff would be going door to door, Monday to Friday, at Aurukun during the two-week period offering skin care advice and treatment as required.
“We’re committed to working with the community to help manage any cases of skin infections and would like to thank everyone for following our health advice,’’ she said.
Scabies is a highly contagious skin infestation caused by mites which burrow into the skin and lay eggs.
Burrows are often difficult to see, but can most often be seen between the fingers, around the waist, in the creases of the wrists and elbows, and on the palms and soles of the feet.
“We know that scabies spreads very easily between people so it’s important to avoid skin-to-skin contact with others and not share any clothing or bedding,’’ Dr Hempenstall said.
“Washing your clothes and bedding on a hot cycle will help kill any mites.
Alternatively, putting your clothes and bedding in a garbage bag, tying a knot and leaving out in the sun for the day will kill the mites.
“Putting your mattresses and pillows out in the sun for two or three hours is also recommended.’’
Dr Hempenstall said using a diluted bleach wash also was a safe and simple way to protect both children and adults.
“Incorporating it into a bath time routine can be more interactive and fun for babies,’’ she said.
Adding 12mL of bleach, which is about one capful, to every 10 litres of water will help to remove dangerous bacteria living on the skin.
When used correctly, bleach washes were a safe and effective way to prevent and treat bacterial skin conditions.
If not treated, scabies can cause irritation, sores may become infected, and it is still contagious to others. The mite does not transmit any infectious disease.
Dr Hempenstall said if any residents had itchy skin or sores, they should visit their local health facility for treatment.
“The good news is that scabies is treatable, and we have staff ready to help anyone who has scabies,’’ she said.
Treatment typically includes an oral medication or topical cream that we can provide to those who need it. Any instructions for treatment need to be followed carefully.
“To help stop the spread, it’s recommended that everyone in your house is also treated with the cream or oral medication, even if they don’t have sores or rashes,’’ she said.
She said residents could prevent skin infections, including scabies and especially in children, by delivering first aid for minor injuries and regular washing or swimming.
- You should wash your hands and body with soap, sleep in a clean bed, wash your sheets and towels regularly and wash and wear clean clothes every day.
- Children need to be helped to use soap and to wash properly.
- Please also keep your house and yard clean and dispose of garbage properly.
- Check for skin sores and possible scabies (itch mites) in family members often.
- If your child has sores, first aid is washing and soaking off crusts, possibly a mild antiseptic and a clean dry dressing. Cut the fingernails to prevent further broken skin that can also get infected. Then show them to someone at your local health centre.
For more details visit Scabies on the Queensland Government website.