What’s on the Sheets May be as Important as What Happens Between Them
By SAM KNEW, MSW
Condom… check. Playful body inspections… check. Names… check.
So what are you missing that might put you in danger of becoming one of the three hundred million plus people in the world that contract “Sarcoptes Scabiei Var. Hominis” or more commonly referred to as “scabies”? This infestation of the skin by human itch mites has the possibility of burrowing into the layers of the skin, causing an irritable rash while laying its eggs. And this is one sexually transmitted disease (STD) you can contract even with your clothes on.
Transmission of scabies is primarily through skin-to-skin contact, which is why it is considered an STD. However, scabies can also be contracted via clothes, towels, or bed sheets. They can also spread the scabies mite if the items were recently in contact with a person who has scabies, according to Maryland Department of infectious Disease and Environmental Health Administration. In addition, individuals with compromised immune systems are at risk of contracting a severe form of scabies called “crusted” or “Norwegian Scabies,” which is more easily transmitted.
The most common symptom of scabies is itchiness, usually in areas of the body such as the elbow, between the fingers, armpit, breast, nipples, penis and buttocks. The female mites are responsible for burrowing eggs below the skin creating grayish-white or skin colored lines on the surface of the skin. The intense skin itching can lead to further infections, allowing bacteria into the skin, possibly causing inflammation of the kidneys; and for a few dozen individuals each year – death.
Unfortunately, individuals can go weeks, even months before symptoms develop.
However, it is still possible to contract scabies from an infected person who doesn’t display symptoms. A person with crusted (Norwegian) scabies can spread the disease “by brief skin-to-skin contact or by exposure to bedding, clothing, or even furniture that he/she has used,” according to the Center for Disease Control, which is why those infected should seek immediate treatment. Unfortunately, itching may continue up to three weeks after treatment topical lotion is applied, which should be simultaneously followed by a laundry list, including bedding, towels and clothes.
So what should be left on your checklist? Hint: two words – that’s right, “personal hygiene.” Maintaining personal hygiene is vital, and a great indicator of your partner’s health status. Although contraction of scabies is not a reflection of one’s personal hygiene, individuals with good personal hygiene and sanitary living condition are less likely to contract the disease. In addition, infected individuals with good hygiene have less mite infestation, decreasing the rate of transmission to others.
Sam Knew, MSW contributes the weekly column “Who Knew” addressing various topics. For questions or comments: troym@jumponmarkslist.com.