Skin Problems in the Jungle

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pigdog
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Skin Problems in the Jungle

Postby pigdog » Wed Jun 25 2014, 09:54

Was out in the Gulf area the other day and came across this young fellow, with his exposed skin pealing off. I've seen this in the
Sepik as well. Does anyone know what this is and how it can be treated and what it would cost to buy the medicine to put this wright.
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choppermech1986
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Re: Skin Problems in the Jungle

Postby choppermech1986 » Wed Jun 25 2014, 18:55

Apparently it's Crusted Scabies. Permethrin cream is supposedly the treatment.
pigdog
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Re: Skin Problems in the Jungle

Postby pigdog » Thu Jun 26 2014, 01:07

Thanks for that info choppermech. I'll ask my gp to see if his practice can help out, though the logistics of such a though trying to help is daunting.
ozloadie
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Re: Skin Problems in the Jungle

Postby ozloadie » Thu Jun 26 2014, 04:59

The treatment is correct, but it has to be applied in addition to a modification in the patients lifestyle, ie living conditions, clothing etc or he will reinfected almost immediately.
Look up scabies wik on the internet and it will become obvious it's not a quick fix. If he's part of your work crew it might also involve some unpopular decisions.
Such is life in PNG!
Good on you for looking after them though. good people.
Steve
Keep it flying, don't quit!
pigdog
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Re: Skin Problems in the Jungle

Postby pigdog » Thu Jun 26 2014, 05:19

Thanks Steve, yeah be asking around and found that an oral product called Kepocomazole in tablet form at a cast of 17.50 kina and taken for ten days is effective but as you say a change in lifestyle is required for this horrible skin disease to be totally rid.
I will see what I can drum up back in NZ.
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truthinbeer
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Re: Skin Problems in the Jungle

Postby truthinbeer » Thu Jun 26 2014, 08:05

If it is scabies then maybe application of Antroquoril cream. Put it on at night after shower before going to bed. In the morning remove sheets from bed and wash them otherwise the mites will re-infect when the person gets back into the dirty sheets. Same for clothing.

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