With dry conditions largely prevailing across the Torres Strait and Northern Peninsula Area, health authorities are urging residents to be mindful of skin conditions.
Torres and Cape Hospital and Health Service Public Health Medical Officer Dr Allison Hempenstall said symptoms to look out for were skin sores, including from insect bites and scratches, as well as itch from scabies.
Dr Hempenstall said residents could prevent skin infections by first aid for minor injuries and regular washing or swimming.
Some tips:
- 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.
Dr Hempenstall said some skin conditions, if not monitored and properly cared for, could result in people developing Acute Rheumatic Fever or Acute Post-Streptococcal Glomerulonephritis (APSGN).
“Acute Rheumatic Fever can lead on to the more serious Rheumatic Heart Diseases, while APSGN if untreated can lead to more serious problems such as chronic kidney problems,’’ she said.
“Both Acute Rheumatic Fever and APSG are caused by the Streptococcus A bacteria group (strep) which causes throat and skin infections.
“So, good hygiene and controlling the spread of skin infections is vital in helping ensure these more serious conditions do not occur.’’
To learn more please visit Rheumatic heart disease on the Queensland Government website.