The Costa Rican Social Security Fund (CCSS) issued an alert on the spread of lice and scabies in areas affected by Nate and whose most vulnerable populations are those in shelters.
Xiomara Badilla, head of the Subarea of Epidemiological Surveillance of the CCSS, said that this condition is called dermatosis and caused by tiny parasites that lodge in the head and skin.
These have a great ability to produce pediculosis, hair or scalp disease and scabies. The causes are lice and mites.
The Head of Subarea of Epidemiological Surveillance commented that the population concentrated in shelters spreads lice faster,
so the institution has an interest in reiterating the importance of not sharing personal items such as hats, combs or hairbrushes.”
In the case of scabies it is easily transmitted by direct contact from skin to skin and, through sheets, towels and contaminated clothing.
Scabies are not dangerous and can be cured,”
said Badilla.
People who are suffering from dermatosis are advised to report it immediately to the shelter coordinator for medical attention.
Some recommendations given by the CCSS are:
-Mechanical removal of lice with combs with very close tines that, when passing through the hair, drag lice and nits.
-Topical treatments can be used in children over two years and adults.
-Apply on dry hair, ensuring that all hair is properly covered from the root to the tip.
-Allow the product to air dry for the recommended time.
-Wash the hair with a normal shampoo (no treatment).
-Repeat process every five days.
-Bath before treatment. Start behind the ears, then on the jaw and continue down (genitals, soles of feet, toes, back and buttocks).